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- Bernstein, Joshua G, et al.
(author)
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Spectrotemporal modulation sensitivity as a predictor of speech intelligibility in noise with hearing aids
- 2014
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In: Spectrotemporal modulation sensitivity as a predictor of speech intelligibility in noise with hearing aids.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The audiogram predicts less than a third of the variance in speech reception thresholds (SRTs) for hearing-impaired (HI) listeners properly fit with individualized frequency-dependent gain. The remaining variance is often attributed to a combination of su-prathreshold distortion in the auditory pathway and non-auditory factors such as cogni-tive processing. Distinguishing between these factors requires a measure of suprathresh-old auditory processing to account for the non-cognitive contributions. Preliminary re-sults in 12 HI listeners identified a correlation between spectrotemporal modulation (STM) sensitivity and speech intelligibility in noise presented over headphones. The cur-IHCON 2014 27 August 13-17, 2014rent study assessed the effectiveness of STM sensitivity as a measure of suprathreshold auditory function to predict free-field SRTs in noise for a larger group of 47 HI listeners with hearing aids.SRTs were measured for Hagerman sentences presented at 65 dB SPL in stationary speech-weighted noise or four-talker babble. Pre-recorded speech and masker stimuli were played through a small anechoic chamber equipped with a master hearing aid pro-grammed with individualized gain. The output from an IEC711 Ear Simulator was played binaurally through insert earphones. Three processing algorithms were examined: linear gain, linear gain plus noise reduction, or fast-acting compressive gain.STM stimuli consist of spectrally-rippled noise with spectral-peak frequencies that shift over time. STM with a 2-cycle/octave spectral-ripple density and a 4-Hz modulation rate was applied to a 2-kHz lowpass-filtered pink-noise carrier. Stimuli were presented over headphones at 80 dB SPL (±5-dB roving). The threshold modulation depth was estimated adaptively in a two-alternative forced-choice task.STM sensitivity was strongly correlated (R2=0.48) with the global SRT (i.e., the SRTs averaged across masker and processing conditions). The high-frequency pure-tone aver-age (3-8 kHz) and age together accounted for 23% of the variance in global SRT. STM sensitivity accounted for an additional 28% of the variance in global SRT (total R2=0.51) when combined with these two other metrics in a multiple-regression analysis. Correla-tions between STM sensitivity and SRTs for individual conditions were weaker for noise reduction than for the other algorithms, and marginally stronger for babble than for sta-tionary noise.The results are discussed in the context of previous work suggesting that STM sensitivity for low rates and low carrier frequencies is impaired by a reduced ability to use temporal fine-structure information to detect slowly shifting spectral peaks. STM detection is a fast, simple test of suprathreshold auditory function that accounts for a substantial pro-portion of variability in hearing-aid outcomes for speech perception in noise.
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| 2. |
- Bernstein, Joshua G. W., et al.
(author)
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Spectrotemporal Modulation Sensitivity as a Predictor of Speech-Reception Performance in Noise With Hearing Aids
- 2016
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In: TRENDS IN HEARING. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC. - 2331-2165. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The audiogram predicts amp;lt;30% of the variance in speech-reception thresholds (SRTs) for hearing-impaired (HI) listeners fitted with individualized frequency-dependent gain. The remaining variance could reflect suprathreshold distortion in the auditory pathways or nonauditory factors such as cognitive processing. The relationship between a measure of suprathreshold auditory function-spectrotemporal modulation (STM) sensitivity-and SRTs in noise was examined for 154 HI listeners fitted with individualized frequency-specific gain. SRTs were measured for 65-dB SPL sentences presented in speech-weighted noise or four-talker babble to an individually programmed master hearing aid, with the output of an ear-simulating coupler played through insert earphones. Modulation-depth detection thresholds were measured over headphones for STM (2cycles/octave density, 4-Hz rate) applied to an 85-dB SPL, 2-kHz lowpass-filtered pink-noise carrier. SRTs were correlated with both the high-frequency (2-6 kHz) pure-tone average (HFA; R-2 = .31) and STM sensitivity (R-2 = .28). Combined with the HFA, STM sensitivity significantly improved the SRT prediction (Delta R-2 = .13; total R-2 = .44). The remaining unaccounted variance might be attributable to variability in cognitive function and other dimensions of suprathreshold distortion. STM sensitivity was most critical in predicting SRTs for listenersamp;lt;65 years old or with HFA amp;lt;53 dB HL. Results are discussed in the context of previous work suggesting that STM sensitivity for low rates and low-frequency carriers is impaired by a reduced ability to use temporal fine-structure information to detect dynamic spectra. STM detection is a fast test of suprathreshold auditory function for frequencies amp;lt;2 kHz that complements the HFA to predict variability in hearing-aid outcomes for speech perception in noise.
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| 4. |
- Dreschler, W. A., et al.
(author)
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Charactering the individual ear by the "Auditory Profile
- 2008
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In: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. - Melville, NY, USA : A I P Publishing LLC. - 0001-4966 .- 1520-8524. ; 123:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes a new approach to auditory diagnostics, which is one of the central themes of the EU-project HEARCOM. For this purpose we defined a so-called "Auditory Profile" that can be assessed for each individual listener using a standardized battery of audiological tests that - in addition to the pure-tone audiogram - focus on loudness perception, frequency resolution, temporal acuity, speech perception, binaural functioning, listening effort, subjective hearing abilities, and cognition. For the sake of testing time only summary tests are included from each of these areas, but the broad approach of characterizing auditory communication problems by means of standardized test is expected to have an added value above traditional testing in understanding the reasons for poor speech reception. The Auditory profile may also be relevant in the field of auditory rehabilitation and for design of acoustical environments. The results of an international 5-center study (in 4 countries and in 4 languages) will be presented and the relevance of a broad but well-standardized approach will be discussed.
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| 5. |
- Dreschler, W. A., et al.
(author)
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D-2-6: Report about the results of the multicentre evaluation of the Auditory Profile. Public report
- 2009
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Twenty-eight partners participated in the FP6 EU-funded project HearCom, with the goal to improve hearing in our communication society. One of the main achievements has been the provision of advanced hearing screening tests by telephone and Internet. For hearing diagnostics it was aimed at the harmonization of hearing diagnostic tests within Europe. For this the concept of the Auditory Profile has been developed with several tests for various languages. Hearing problems are also a result of adverse acoustical circumstances for which the effects have been studied, modelled and evaluated for hearing impaired. For hearing rehabilitation a large scale comparison study was performed on signal enhancement techniques (algorithms) for hearing devices. Modern technology may assist on hearing and communication by the use of wireless technology and automatic speech transcription. On this it is shown that improvements for auditory communication can be obtained, but that technology should develop further. An overview is given on the HearCom portal with sections for screening diagnostics, hearing information for the public and professionals, and a new service called HearCompanion that provides step-by-step support for the hearing rehabilitation process.
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