Can a Remotely Delivered Auditory Training Program Improve Speech-in-Noise Understanding?

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey B. Abrams ◽  
Kirsten Bock ◽  
Ryan L. Irey
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Time On Task ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Noise Test

PurposeThe aims of this study were to determine if a remotely delivered, Internet-based auditory training (AT) program improved speech-in-noise understanding and if the number of hours spent engaged in the program influenced postintervention speech-in-noise understanding.MethodTwenty-nine first-time hearing aid users were randomized into an AT group (hearing aids + 3 week remotely delivered, Internet-based auditory training program) or a control group (hearing aids alone). The Hearing in Noise Test (Nilsson, Soli, & Sullivan, 1994) and the Words-in-Noise test (Wilson, 2003) were administered to both groups at baseline + 1 week and immediately at the completion of the 3 weeks of auditory training.ResultsSpeech-in-noise understanding improved for both groups at the completion of the study; however, there was not a statistically significant difference in postintervention improvement between the AT and control groups. Although the number of hours the participants engaged in the AT program was far fewer than prescribed, time on task influenced the postintervention Words-in-Noise but not Hearing in Noise Test scores.ConclusionAlthough remotely delivered, Internet-based AT programs represent an attractive alternative to resource-intensive, clinic-based interventions, their demonstrated efficacy continues to remain a challenge due in part to issues associated with compliance.

scholarly journals Development and evaluation of a computer-based auditory training program for rehabilitation of children with decoding deficit

2018 ◽  
pp. 143-149
Author(s):  
Azam Aghaie ◽  
Ali Akbar Tahaei ◽  
Farnoush Jarollahi ◽  
Mohammad Kamali
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Central Auditory Processing ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Computer Based

Background and Aim: Decoding deficit is the most common central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Given the benefits of computer-based auditory training programs for treatment of central disorders and the lack of such programs in Persian language, this study aimed to develop a computer-based auditory training program for decoding skill. We also evaluated this program in 8 to12 year old children with CAPD.Methods: The first stage of research was to develop a computer-based auditory training program. This program consists of three levels of phonological discrimination, syllable discrimination, and word discrimination. The second stage was to determine the content and face validity of the program. The third stage was to assess the program effect on five children with decoding deficit. The research method was interventional and had a pretest and post-test design with another five children as control group. The staggered spondaic word, phonemic synthesis (PS) and speech in noise tests was used to assess the children performance before and after training.Results: Mean scores of staggered spondaic word (SSW) and PS tests of the experimental group were significantly difference before and after the auditory training (p<0.05) as compared to control group. However, there was no significant difference with regard to the speech-in-noise test results (p>0.05).Conclusion: This computer-based auditory training program can be considered as a preliminary tool for the rehabilitation and treatment of decoding deficits in children with CAPD.

scholarly journals Effect of “Spatially Separated Speech in Noise Training” on speech perception in noise in children with bimodal fitting

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Lotfi ◽  
Mahdieh Hasanalifard ◽  
Abdollah Moossavi ◽  
Enayatollah Bakhshi ◽  
Mohammad Ajalloueyan
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Interventional Study ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Speech Perception In Noise ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Recognition Ability

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training on the ability of speech perception in noise among bimodal fitting users. The assumption was that the rehabilitation can enhance spatial hearing and hence speech in noise perception. This study was an interventional study, with a pre/post-design. Speech recognition ability was assessed with the specific tests. After performing the rehabilitation stages in the intervention group, the speech tests were again implemented, and by comparing the pre- and post-intervention data, the effect of auditory training on the speech abilities was assessed. Twenty-four children of 8–12 years who had undergone cochlear implantation and continuously used bimodal fitting were investigated in two groups of control and intervention. Results The results showed a significant difference between the groups in different speech tests after the intervention, which indicated that the intervention group have improved more than the control group. Conclusion It can be concluded that “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training can improve the speech perception in noise in bimodal fitting users. In general, this rehabilitation method is useful for enhancing the speech in noise perception ability.

scholarly journals Psychometric Comparison of the Hearing in Noise Test and the American English Matrix Test

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (04) ◽  
pp. 315-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jumana Harianawala ◽  
Jason Galster ◽  
Benjamin Hornsby
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
American English ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Speech Corpus ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Intensity Functions

AbstractThe hearing in noise test (HINT) is the most popular adaptive test used to evaluate speech in noise performance, especially in context of hearing aid features. However, the number of conditions that can be tested on the HINT is limited by a small speech corpus. The American English Matrix test (AEMT) is a new alternative adaptive speech in noise test with a larger speech corpus. The study examined the relationships between the performance of hearing aid wearers on the HINT and the AEMT.To examine whether there was a difference in performance of hearing aid wearers on the HINT and the AEMT. A secondary purpose, given the AEMT’s steep performance-intensity function, was to determine whether the AEMT is more sensitive to changes in speech recognition resulting from directional (DIR) microphone processing in hearing aids.A repeated measures design was used in this study. Multiple measurements were made on each subject. Each measurement involved a different experimental condition.Ten adults with hearing loss participated in this study.All participants completed the AEMT and HINT, using adaptive and fixed test formats while wearing hearing aids. Speech recognition was assessed in two hearing aid microphone settings—omnidirectional and fixed DIR. All testing was conducted via sound field presentation. Performance on HINT and AEMT were systematically compared across all test conditions using a linear model with repeated measures.The results of this study revealed that adult hearing aid users perform differently on the HINT and AEMT, with adaptive AEMT testing yielding significantly better (more negative) thresholds than the HINT. Slopes of performance intensity functions obtained by testing at multiple fixed signal-to-noise ratios, revealed a somewhat steeper slope for the HINT compared with the AEMT. Despite this steeper slope, the benefit provided by DIR microphones was not significantly different between the two speech tests.The observation of similar DIR benefits of the HINT and AEMT suggests that the HINT and AEMT are equally sensitive to changes in speech recognition thresholds following intervention. Therefore, the decision to use the AEMT or the HINT will depend on the purpose of the study and/or the technology being investigated. Other test related factors such as available sentence corpus, learning effects and test time will also influence test selection.

scholarly journals Effects of Wireless Remote Microphone on Speech Recognition in Noise for Hearing Aid Users in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Chen ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Ruijuan Dong ◽  
Xinxing Fu ◽  
Yuan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Recognition Ability ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Test Distance

Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating improvements in speech-in-noise recognition ability as measured by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with the use of wireless remote microphone technology. These microphones transmit digital signals via radio frequency directly to hearing aids and may be a valuable assistive listening device for the hearing-impaired population of Mandarin speakers in China.Methods: Twenty-three adults (aged 19–80 years old) and fourteen children (aged 8–17 years old) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were recruited. The Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test was used to test speech recognition ability in adult subjects, and the Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test for Children was used for children. The subjects’ perceived SNR was measured using sentence recognition ability at three different listening distances of 1.5, 3, and 6 m. At each distance, SNR was obtained under three device settings: hearing aid microphone alone, wireless remote microphone alone, and hearing aid microphone and wireless remote microphone simultaneously.Results: At each test distance, for both adult and pediatric groups, speech-in-noise recognition thresholds were significantly lower with the use of the wireless remote microphone in comparison with the hearing aid microphones alone (P &lt; 0.05), indicating better SNR performance with the wireless remote microphone. Moreover, when the wireless remote microphone was used, test distance had no effect on speech-in-noise recognition for either adults or children.Conclusion: Wireless remote microphone technology can significantly improve speech recognition performance in challenging listening environments for Mandarin speaking hearing aid users in China.

Mild-Gain Hearing Aids as a Treatment for Adults with Self-Reported Hearing Difficulties

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (06) ◽  
pp. 477-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Roup ◽  
Emily Post ◽  
Jessica Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
And Performance

AbstractThere is a growing body of evidence demonstrating self-reported hearing difficulties (HD; i.e., substantial difficulty in understanding speech in complex listening situations) in adults with normal pure-tone sensitivity. Anecdotally, some audiologists have tried personal mild-gain amplification as a treatment option for adults with HD. In 2008, Kuk and colleagues reported positive results of a mild-gain hearing aid trial for children with auditory processing disorders. To date, however, there have been no studies investigating the benefit of mild-gain amplification to treat HD in adults with normal audiograms.The effectiveness of a four-week trial with mild-gain amplification for adults with self-reported HD and clinically normal hearing sensitivity was investigated.Two participant groups with normal pure-tone audiograms (thresholds ≤20 dB HL 250–8000 Hz) were recruited to study the effects of self-reported HD on hearing handicap, self-perceived auditory processing difficulties, and performance on a speech-in-noise task. Furthermore, the benefit of mild-gain amplification was examined after a four-week hearing aid trial on self-perceived hearing handicap and auditory processing difficulties, and performance on an aided speech-in-noise task. Effects were analyzed using a mixed-model repeated measures analysis of variance. Posthoc analyses were performed for each significant main effect.Thirty-nine participants participated in two groups. Twenty normal hearing adults (19–27 yr) without complaints of HD were recruited as a control group. Nineteen normal hearing adults (18–58 yr) with self-reported HD were recruited for the mild-gain hearing aid trial.Subjective complaints of HD were assessed with two questionnaires (the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults [HHIA] and the Auditory Processing Questionnaire [APQ]) and an auditory processing test battery (SCAN:3-A, dichotic digit recognition, gaps-in-noise test, and the 500-Hz masking level difference). Speech-in-noise abilities were assessed before and after hearing aid trial using the Revised Speech Perception in Noise Test (R-SPIN) at multiple signal-to-noise ratios. Hearing aid use and impressions during the hearing aid trial were recorded.Results demonstrated that participants with HD perceived significantly greater hearing handicap (HHIA) and greater self-perceived auditory processing difficulties (APQ) than the control group. Participants with HD performed significantly poorer on the R-SPIN relative to controls, especially for low-predictability items. Results of the hearing aid trial for participants with HD revealed significant improvements in hearing handicap, self-perceived auditory processing difficulties, and speech-in-noise performance relative to prehearing aid trial measures. The hearing aids were well tolerated by the majority of participants with HD , with most of them wearing the hearing aids an average of 1–4 h per day.The results from the present study suggest that adults who present with complaints of HD even in the presence of normal hearing sensitivity represent a unique population that warrants further evaluation beyond the standard hearing test. Furthermore, results from the hearing aid trial suggest that mild-gain amplification is a viable treatment option for at least some individuals with HD.

scholarly journals Melodic Contour Training and Its Effect on Speech in Noise, Consonant Discrimination, and Prosody Perception for Cochlear Implant Recipients

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Yhun Lo ◽  
Catherine M. McMahon ◽  
Valerie Looi ◽  
William F. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Speech Prosody ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Melodic Contour ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Noisy Conditions

Cochlear implant (CI) recipients generally have good perception of speech in quiet environments but difficulty perceiving speech in noisy conditions, reduced sensitivity to speech prosody, and difficulty appreciating music. Auditory training has been proposed as a method of improving speech perception for CI recipients, and recent efforts have focussed on the potential benefits of music-based training. This study evaluated two melodic contour training programs and their relative efficacy as measured on a number of speech perception tasks. These melodic contours were simple 5-note sequences formed into 9 contour patterns, such as “rising” or “rising-falling.” One training program controlled difficulty by manipulating interval sizes, the other by note durations. Sixteen adult CI recipients (aged 26–86 years) and twelve normal hearing (NH) adult listeners (aged 21–42 years) were tested on a speech perception battery at baseline and then after 6 weeks of melodic contour training. Results indicated that there were some benefits for speech perception tasks for CI recipients after melodic contour training. Specifically, consonant perception in quiet and question/statement prosody was improved. In comparison, NH listeners performed at ceiling for these tasks. There was no significant difference between the posttraining results for either training program, suggesting that both conferred benefits for training CI recipients to better perceive speech.

The Effect of LACE DVD Training in New and Experienced Hearing Aid Users

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. 214-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne D. Olson ◽  
Jill E. Preminger ◽  
Jennifer B. Shinn
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Speech Understanding ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Training Groups ◽  
Group Design ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Communication Function

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that improving the ability to understand speech in noise can be a difficult task for adults with hearing aids (HAs). If HA users want to improve their speech understanding ability, specific training may be needed. Auditory training (AT) is one type of intervention that may enhance speech recognition abilities for adult HA users. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral effects of an AT program called Listening and Communication Enhancement (LACE) in the DVD format in new and experienced HA users. While some research has been conducted using the computer version of this program, no research to date has been conducted on the efficacy of the DVD version of the LACE training program in both new and experienced HA users. Research Design: An experimental, prospective repeated measures group design, with random assignment. Study Sample: Twenty-nine adults with hearing loss were assigned to one of three groups: new HA plus training, experienced HA plus training, or control (new HA users with no training during the study but provided with training afterward). New HA aid users were randomly assigned to either the training or control group. Intervention: Participants in the training groups completed twenty 30 min training lessons from the LACE DVD program at home over a period of 4 wk. Data Collection: Participants in both training groups were evaluated at baseline, after 2 wk of training and again after 4 wk of training. Participants in the control group were evaluated at baseline and after 4 wk of HA use. Several objective listening measures were administered including speech in noise, rapid speech, and competing sentences tasks. Subjective measures included evaluating the participants' perception of the intervention as well as their perceptions of functional listening abilities. Results: Findings indicate that both new and experienced users improved their understanding of speech in noise, understanding of competing sentences, and communication function after training in comparison to a control group. Effect size calculations suggested that a larger training effect was observed for new HA users compared to experienced HA users. New HA users also reported greater benefit from training compared to experienced users. AT with the LACE DVD format should be encouraged, particularly among new HA users, to improve understanding in difficult listening conditions.

scholarly journals The Importance of Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) Training on Physical Fitness Preparation for Malaysian Female Hockey Players

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.7) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
Kassim Mohar ◽  
Rahman Fariq
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Practical Interest ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hockey Players

A vast amount of research has been performed illustrating that the execution of certain conditioning activities at maximal or near-maximal intensities can acutely enhance subsequent athletic performance with given sufficient recovery. This phenomenon is known as post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its use within the field of strength and conditioning has grown rapidly as performance enhancing effects have been demonstrated within athletic movements such as jumping and sprinting. Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of PAP training on sprint performance and power production among Malaysian female hockey player. Methods: A total of 18 well-trained athletes (age 25 ± 3.7; mass 54 ± 4.9; height 160.8 ± 2.8; relative strength half-squat 1.9 ± 0.3; relative strength hex-bar deadlift 1.7 ± 0.5; relative strength hang clean 0.8 ± 0.1) were tested for 20 meter sprint time and counter-movement jump (CMJ) test during the preparation phase. This study used two different groups such as experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) and each player were randomly assigned. Both groups were completed training in twice per week for a period of eight week training program. The EG performed a total of 16 session by having 2 different training blocks. Each block has a period practice of training for 4 weeks and each block also has different types of exercise. Meanwhile, CG completed 16 session based on coach training program and did not practice at the same time with the EG. The study intervention program including pre-test and post-test activities were conducted before and after the study. Result: A data analysis of paired t-test and independent t-test was used and the level of significance in all statistical analyses was set at p ≤ 0.05. The result showed that 8-weeks of EG displayed significantly improved in sprint performance (p ≤ 0.005) and power production (p ≤ 0.005). Moreover, result also revealed a significant difference between EG and CG in sprint performance (p ≤ 0.000) and power production (p ≤ 0.008). Conclusion: In short, the result emphasized the contribution of kinetic and kinematic parameters for sprint and power performance. The EG result seem significant for athletic performance. Therefore, this findings is of great practical interest for coaches and fitness trainers and relevant to female hockey players and consequently maybe used in training program.  

scholarly journals Critical appraisal of speech in noise tests: a systematic review and survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhani Sharma ◽  
Rajesh Tripathy ◽  
Udit Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Test Time ◽  
Hearing Research ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Instrument Bias ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Selection Of

Speech in noise tests that measure the perception of speech in presence of noise are now an important part of audiologic tests battery and hearing research as well. There are various tests available to estimate the perception of speech in presence of noise, for example, connected sentence test, hearing in noise test, words in noise, quick speech-in-noise test, bamford-kowal-bench speech-in-noise test, and listening in spatialized noise-sentences. All these tests are different in terms of target age, measure, procedure, speech material, noise, normative, etc. Because of the variety of tests available to estimate speech-in-noise abilities, audiologists often select tests based on their availability, ease to administer the test, time required in running the test, age of the patient, hearing status, type of hearing disorder and type of amplification device if using. A critical appraisal of these speech-in-noise tests is required for the evidence based selection and to be used in audiology clinics. In this article speech-in-noise tests were critically appraised for their conceptual model, measurement model, normatives, reliability, validity, responsiveness, item/instrument bias, respondent burden and administrative burden. Selection of a standard speech-in-noise test based on this critical appraisal will also allow an easy comparison of speech-in-noise ability of any hearing impaired individual or group across audiology clinics and research centers. This article also describes the survey which was done to grade the speech in noise tests on the various appraisal characteristics.

scholarly journals Studying the Effectiveness of Prevention Training Program of Drug Abuse on Reducing Risk Factors in Soldiers and Staffs

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1.SP) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Parviz DABAGHI ◽  
Seyyed-Javad HOSSEINI-SHOKOUH ◽  
Reza SHAHRABADI
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevention Training

Background and objective:    Drug abuse is one of the diseases that are highly dependent on individual behaviors and social interactions. This disease can be created in places like military garrisons due to their relationship with such behaviors. Therefore, soldiers and staffs are at risk of drug abuse. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prevention training program of drug abuse on reducing risk factors in soldiers and staffs in Iran.Methods:In this quasi-experimental interventional study, 392 soldiers and staffs in two military garrisons in Khorasan Razavi (Intervention group 242 and control group 150) were randomly conducted to training program. The data collection tools were questionnaire of identifying people in risk of addiction, life skills questionnaire and demographic variables. The questionnaires were completed as self-report. Educational content was consisted of seven training sessions (60-minute) that only applied in the intervention group. 45 days after the last training session, educational software was distributed as a reminder in the intervention group. The two groups were followed up three months after the intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results:  The findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic variables (Pvalue>0.05). The mean scores for risk factors on drug abuse after training program (Depression and feeling of inability, Positive attitude toward drug abuse and Anxiety and fearing of others) were significantly improved in the intervention group (Pvalue<0.05). Also, life skills variables except the problem solving skill (Pvalue>0.05) had a significant change after intervention in the intervention group (Pvalue<0.05).Conclusion:The findings indicated that the prevention training program of drug abuse based on life skills training could reduce the risk factors of drug abuse for soldiers and staffs in military garrisons.

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