Effects of Fundamental Frequency Contours on Sentence Recognition in Mandarin-Speaking Children With Cochlear Implants

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 3855-3864
Author(s):  
Wanting Huang ◽  
Lena L. N. Wong ◽  
Fei Chen ◽  
Haihong Liu ◽  
Wei Liang
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Lexical Tone ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Age Appropriate ◽  
F0 Contour ◽  
Appropriate Sentences

Purpose Fundamental frequency (F0) is the primary acoustic cue for lexical tone perception in tonal languages but is processed in a limited way in cochlear implant (CI) systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of F0 contours in sentence recognition in Mandarin-speaking children with CIs and find out whether it is similar to/different from that in age-matched normal-hearing (NH) peers. Method Age-appropriate sentences, with F0 contours manipulated to be either natural or flattened, were randomly presented to preschool children with CIs and their age-matched peers with NH under three test conditions: in quiet, in white noise, and with competing sentences at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results The neutralization of F0 contours resulted in a significant reduction in sentence recognition. While this was seen only in noise conditions among NH children, it was observed throughout all test conditions among children with CIs. Moreover, the F0 contour-induced accuracy reduction ratios (i.e., the reduction in sentence recognition resulting from the neutralization of F0 contours compared to the normal F0 condition) were significantly greater in children with CIs than in NH children in all test conditions. Conclusions F0 contours play a major role in sentence recognition in both quiet and noise among pediatric implantees, and the contribution of the F0 contour is even more salient than that in age-matched NH children. These results also suggest that there may be differences between children with CIs and NH children in how F0 contours are processed.

scholarly journals Masking Release and Modulation Interference in Cochlear Implant and Simulation Listeners

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Hyun Jin ◽  
Yingjiu Nie ◽  
Peggy Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Spectral Interference ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Masking Release ◽  
Masking Noise

Purpose To examine the effects of temporal and spectral interference of masking noise on sentence recognition for listeners with cochlear implants (CI) and normal-hearing persons listening to vocoded signals that simulate signals processed through a CI (NH-Sim). Method NH-Sim and CI listeners participated in the experiments using speech and noise that were processed by bandpass filters. Depending on the experimental condition, the spectra of the maskers relative to that of speech were set to be completely embedded with, partially overlapping, or completely separate from, the speech. The maskers were either steady or amplitude modulated and were presented at +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results NH-Sim listeners experienced progressively more masking as the masker became more spectrally overlapping with speech, whereas CI listeners experienced masking even when the masker was spectrally remote from the speech signal. Both the NH-Sim and CI listeners experienced significant modulation interference when noise was modulated at a syllabic rate (4 Hz), suggesting that listeners may experience both modulation interference and masking release. Thus, modulated noise has mixed and counteracting effects on speech perception. Conclusion When the NH-Sim and CI listeners with poor spectral resolution were tested using syllabic-like rates of modulated noise, they tended to integrate or confuse the noise with the speech, causing an increase in speech errors. Optional training programs might be useful for CI listeners who show more difficulty understanding speech in noise.

Selecting the Optimal FM System for Children With Cochlear Implants

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Erin C. Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Speech Processor ◽  
System Input ◽  
Optimal Type

Children who use cochlear implants experience significant difficulty hearing speech in the presence of background noise, such as in the classroom. To address these difficulties, audiologists often recommend frequency-modulated (FM) systems for children with cochlear implants. The purpose of this article is to examine current empirical research in the area of FM systems and cochlear implants. Discussion topics will include selecting the optimal type of FM receiver, benefits of binaural FM-system input, importance of DAI receiver-gain settings, and effects of speech-processor programming on speech recognition. FM systems significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the child's ear through the use of three types of FM receivers: mounted speakers, desktop speakers, or direct-audio input (DAI). This discussion will aid audiologists in making evidence-based recommendations for children using cochlear implants and FM systems.

Varying Signal-to-Noise Ratios in Adolescent Voice Therapy

1991 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Saniga ◽  
Margaret F. Carlin
Keyword(s):  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Voice Therapy ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Everyday Activities ◽  
Therapy Program ◽  
Vocal Intensity ◽  
Noise Ratio ◽  
Speaking Voice ◽  
Adolescent Voice

In our society competing noise has become part of most everyday activities. Vocal abusers need to learn to compensate for this auditory distractor. The present paper describes a voice therapy program for adolescent vocal abusers that utilizes a varying signal-to-noise ratio. Once this compensation is learned, vocal abusers can maintain an appropriate fundamental frequency and vocal intensity in their speaking voice.

Importance of time-frequency units for sentence recognition as a function of signal-to-noise ratio

2018 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 1751-1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Apoux ◽  
Brittney Carter ◽  
Karl P. Velik ◽  
Eric Healy
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Noise Ratio

Frequency Importance Functions in Quiet and Noise for Adults With Cochlear Implants

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas P. Sladen ◽  
Todd. A. Ricketts
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Equal Weight ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Speech Spectrum ◽  
Noisy Conditions ◽  
Listening In Noise

Purpose Several studies have been devoted to understanding the frequency information available to adult users of cochlear implants when listening in quiet. The objective of this study was to construct frequency importance functions for a group of adults with cochlear implants and a group of adults with normal hearing both in quiet and in a +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Method Two groups of adults, 1 with cochlear implants and 1 with normal hearing, were asked to identify nonsense syllables in quiet and in the presence of 6-talker babble while “holes” were systematically created in the speech spectrum. Frequency importance functions were constructed. Results Results showed that adults with normal hearing placed greater weight on bands 1, 3, and 4 than on bands 2, 5, and 6, whereas adults with cochlear implants placed equal weight on all bands. The frequency importance functions for each group did not differ between listening in quiet and listening in noise. Conclusions Adults with cochlear implants assign perceptual weight toward different frequency bands, though the weight assignment does not differ between quiet and noisy conditions. Generalizing these results to the broader population of adults with implants is constrained by a small sample size.

FRACTAL SPECTROSCOPY BY NOISE-FREE STOCHASTIC MULTIRESONANCE AT HIGHER HARMONICS

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 141-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. KRAWIECKI ◽  
S. MATYJAŚKIEWICZ ◽  
J. A. HOŁYST ◽  
K. KACPERSKI
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Resonance ◽  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Control Parameter ◽  
Fractal Structure ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Spin Model ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Higher Harmonics ◽  
Henon Map ◽  
Noise Ratio

Noise-free stochastic resonance is investigated in two chaotic maps with periodically modulated control parameter close to a boundary crisis: the Hénon map and the kicked spin model. Response of the maps to the periodic signal at the fundamental frequency and its higher harmonics is examined. The systems show noise-free stochastic multiresonance, i.e. multiple maxima of the signal-to-noise ratio at the fundamental frequency as a function of the control parameter. The maxima are directly related to the fractal structure of the attractors and basins of attraction colliding at the crisis point. The signal-to-noise ratios at higher harmonics show more maxima, as well as dips where the signal-to-noise ratio is zero. This opens a way to use noise-free stochastic resonance to probe the fractal structure of colliding sets by a method which can be called "fractal spectroscopy". Using stochastic resonance at higher harmonics can reveal smaller details of the fractal structures, but the interpretation of results becomes more difficult. Quantitative theory based on a model of a colliding fractal attractor and a fractal basin of attraction is derived which agrees with numerical results for the signal-to-noise ratio at the fundamental frequency and at the first two harmonics, quantitatively for the Hénon map, and qualitatively for the kicked spin model. It is also argued that the maps under study belong to a more general class of threshold-crossing stochastic resonators with a modulated control parameter, and qualitative discussion of conditions under which stochastic multiresonance appears in such systems is given.

Examining the Relationship Between Speech Recognition and a Spectral–Temporal Test With a Mixed Group of Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 1073-1080
Author(s):  
Justin M. Aronoff ◽  
Leah Duitsman ◽  
Deanna K. Matusik ◽  
Senad Hussain ◽  
Elise Lippmann
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Mixed Group ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Audiology clinics have a need for a nonlinguistic test for assessing speech scores for patients using hearing aids or cochlear implants. One such test, the Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test Lite for computeRless Measurement (SLRM), has been developed for use in clinics, but it, as well as the related Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test, has primarily been assessed with cochlear implant users. The main goal of this study was to examine the relationship between SLRM and the Arizona Biomedical Institute Sentence Test (AzBio) for a mixed group of hearing aid and cochlear implant users. Method Adult hearing aid users and cochlear implant users were tested with SLRM, AzBio in quiet, and AzBio in multitalker babble with a +8 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results SLRM scores correlated with both AzBio recognition scores in quiet and in noise. Conclusions The results indicated that there is a significant relationship between SLRM and AzBio scores when testing a mixed group of cochlear implant and hearing aid users. This suggests that SLRM may be a useful nonlinguistic test for use with individuals with a variety of hearing devices.

Effects of Lexical Tone Contour on Mandarin Sentence Intelligibility

2014 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 338-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Chen ◽  
Lena L. N. Wong ◽  
Yi Hu
Keyword(s):  
Speech Synthesis ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Lexical Tone ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Lexical Tones ◽  
Text To Speech Synthesis ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility

Purpose This study examined the effects of lexical tone contour on the intelligibility of Mandarin sentences in quiet and in noise. Method A text-to-speech synthesis engine was used to synthesize Mandarin sentences with each word carrying the original lexical tone, flat tone, or a tone randomly selected from the 4 Mandarin lexical tones. The synthesized speech signals were presented to 11 normal-hearing listeners for recognition in quiet and in speech-shaped noise at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results Normal-hearing listeners nearly perfectly recognized the Mandarin sentences produced with modified tone contours in quiet; however, performance declined substantially in noise. Conclusions Consistent with previous findings to some extent, the present findings suggest that lexical tones are relatively redundant cues for Mandarin sentence intelligibility in quiet and that other cues could compensate for the distorted lexical tone contour. However, in noise, the results provide direct evidence that lexical tone contour is important for the recognition of Mandarin sentences.

Effect of Auditory Task Type on Physiological and Subjective Measures of Listening Effort in Individuals With Normal Hearing

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 1549-1560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcy K. Lau ◽  
Candace Hicks ◽  
Tobias Kroll ◽  
Steven Zupancic
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Pupil Dilation ◽  
Subjective Rating ◽  
Subjective Measures ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Listening Effort ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Auditory Tasks ◽  
And Task

Purpose Listening effort has traditionally been measured using subjective rating scales and behavioral measures. Recent physiological measures of listening effort have utilized pupil dilation. Using a combination of physiological and subjective measures of listening effort, this study aimed to identify differences in listening effort during 2 auditory tasks: sentence recognition and word recognition. Method Pupil dilation and subjective ratings of listening effort were obtained for auditory tasks utilizing AzBio sentences recognition and Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 words recognition, across 3 listening situations: in quiet, at +6 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Task accuracy was recorded for each of the 6 conditions, as well as peak pupil dilation and a subjective rating of listening effort. Results A significant impact of listening situation (quiet vs. noise) and task type (sentence recognition vs. word recognition) on both physiological and subjective measures was found. There was a significant interaction between listening situation and task type, suggesting that contextual cues may only be beneficial when audibility is uncompromised. The current study found no correlation between the physiological and subjective measures, possibly suggesting that these measures analyze different aspects of cognitive effort in a listening task.

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