Accuracy of Speech Intelligibility Index Predictions for Noise-Masked Young Listeners With Normal Hearing and for Elderly Listeners With Hearing Impairment

1995 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 234-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Hargus ◽  
Sandra Gordon-Salant
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Auditory Sensitivity ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Speech Test ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Speech Presentation

This study examined whether the accuracy of Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) predictions is affected by subject age when between-groups auditory sensitivity differences are controlled. SII predictive accuracy was assessed for elderly listeners with hearing impairment (EHI) and for young noise-masked listeners with normal hearing (NMN). SII predictive accuracy was poorer for the EHI subjects than for the NMN subjects across a range of test conditions and stimuli. Speech test redundancy, speech presentation level, signal-to-babble ratio, and babble level also affected SII predictive accuracy. The results suggest that the speech recognition difficulties experienced in noise by elderly listeners do not result solely from reduced auditory sensitivity.

scholarly journals Predicting Speech Recognition Using the Speech Intelligibility Index and Other Variables for Cochlear Implant Users

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 1517-1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungmin Lee ◽  
Lisa Lucks Mendel ◽  
Gavin M. Bidelman
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Large Individual ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Speech Performance

Purpose Although the speech intelligibility index (SII) has been widely applied in the field of audiology and other related areas, application of this metric to cochlear implants (CIs) has yet to be investigated. In this study, SIIs for CI users were calculated to investigate whether the SII could be an effective tool for predicting speech perception performance in a population with CI. Method Fifteen pre- and postlingually deafened adults with CI participated. Speech recognition scores were measured using the AzBio sentence lists. CI users also completed questionnaires and performed psychoacoustic (spectral and temporal resolution) and cognitive function (digit span) tests. Obtained SIIs were compared with predicted SIIs using a transfer function curve. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted on perceptual and demographic predictor variables to investigate the association between these factors and speech perception performance. Result Because of the considerably poor hearing and large individual variability in performance, the SII did not predict speech performance for this CI group using the traditional calculation. However, new SII models were developed incorporating predictive factors, which improved the accuracy of SII predictions in listeners with CI. Conclusion Conventional SII models are not appropriate for predicting speech perception scores for CI users. Demographic variables (aided audibility and duration of deafness) and perceptual–cognitive skills (gap detection and auditory digit span outcomes) are needed to improve the use of the SII for listeners with CI. Future studies are needed to improve our CI-corrected SII model by considering additional predictive factors. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8057003

scholarly journals Modeling Binaural Unmasking of Speech Using a Blind Binaural Processing Stage

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 233121652097563
Author(s):  
Christopher F. Hauth ◽  
Simon C. Berning ◽  
Birger Kollmeier ◽  
Thomas Brand
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Binaural Processing ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Masking Level Difference ◽  
Low Pass ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Filtered Speech

The equalization cancellation model is often used to predict the binaural masking level difference. Previously its application to speech in noise has required separate knowledge about the speech and noise signals to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Here, a novel, blind equalization cancellation model is introduced that can use the mixed signals. This approach does not require any assumptions about particular sound source directions. It uses different strategies for positive and negative SNRs, with the switching between the two steered by a blind decision stage utilizing modulation cues. The output of the model is a single-channel signal with enhanced SNR, which we analyzed using the speech intelligibility index to compare speech intelligibility predictions. In a first experiment, the model was tested on experimental data obtained in a scenario with spatially separated target and masker signals. Predicted speech recognition thresholds were in good agreement with measured speech recognition thresholds with a root mean square error less than 1 dB. A second experiment investigated signals at positive SNRs, which was achieved using time compressed and low-pass filtered speech. The results demonstrated that binaural unmasking of speech occurs at positive SNRs and that the modulation-based switching strategy can predict the experimental results.

Effect of Age on Prediction of Hearing Loss with the Bivariate-Plotting Procedure

1984 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shlomo Silman ◽  
Carol Ann Silverman ◽  
Theresa Showers ◽  
Stanley A. Gelfand
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Line Segments ◽  
Bivariate Plot ◽  
Accuracy Of Prediction ◽  
Effect Of Age

The effect of age on accuracy of prediction of hearing impairment with the bivariate-plotting procedure was investigated in 72 normal-hearing subjects aged 20–69 years and in 86 sensorineural hearing-impaired subjects aged 20–83 years. The predictive accuracy with the bivariate-plotting procedure improved markedly when the data from subjects over 44 years of age were excluded from the bivariate plot. The predictive accuracy improved further when the construction of the line segments in the traditional bivariate plot was modified.

The Use of Repair Strategies by Children With and Without Hearing Impairment

2002 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tova Most
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
Communication Breakdown ◽  
Age Appropriate ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose: This study examined how students with hearing impairments, having different levels of speech intelligibility, responded to a communication breakdown as compared to students with normal hearing. Method: Participants included 16 students with profound hearing impairment who were assessed as having age-appropriate expressive language (8 with good speech intelligibility and 8 with poor speech intelligibility) and 10 students with normal hearing, ages 11–18 years. The students’ task was to describe pictures and to respond to a series of three clarification requests ("Huh?," "What?," and "I didn’t understand") presented by the examiner. Results: Repetition was the most frequently used strategy by all groups. However, significant differences emerged in the use of other repair strategies among the three groups. The group’s choice of strategies across the three requests also differed significantly. Clinical Implications: Although the groups evidenced similar levels of age-appropriate expressive language, they appeared to differ in its pragmatic use. It was suggested that strategy training programs should consider the speech intelligibility of the speaker and be tailored according to individual needs.

A Comparison of Personal Sound Amplification Products and Hearing Aids in Ecologically Relevant Test Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Brody ◽  
Yu-Hsiang Wu ◽  
Elizabeth Stangl
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Listening Effort ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Sound Amplification

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the benefit of self-adjusted personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) to audiologist-fitted hearing aids based on speech recognition, listening effort, and sound quality in ecologically relevant test conditions to estimate real-world effectiveness. Method Twenty-five older adults with bilateral mild-to-moderate hearing loss completed the single-blinded, crossover study. Participants underwent aided testing using 3 PSAPs and a traditional hearing aid, as well as unaided testing. PSAPs were adjusted based on participant preference, whereas the hearing aid was configured using best-practice verification protocols. Audibility provided by the devices was quantified using the Speech Intelligibility Index (American National Standards Institute, 2012). Outcome measures assessing speech recognition, listening effort, and sound quality were administered in ecologically relevant laboratory conditions designed to represent real-world speech listening situations. Results All devices significantly improved Speech Intelligibility Index compared to unaided listening, with the hearing aid providing more audibility than all PSAPs. Results further revealed that, in general, the hearing aid improved speech recognition performance and reduced listening effort significantly more than all PSAPs. Few differences in sound quality were observed between devices. All PSAPs improved speech recognition and listening effort compared to unaided testing. Conclusions Hearing aids fitted using best-practice verification protocols were capable of providing more aided audibility, better speech recognition performance, and lower listening effort compared to the PSAPs tested in the current study. Differences in sound quality between the devices were minimal. However, because all PSAPs tested in the study significantly improved participants' speech recognition performance and reduced listening effort compared to unaided listening, PSAPs could serve as a budget-friendly option for those who cannot afford traditional amplification.

scholarly journals Comparison of Speech Recognition and Subjective Hearing Handicap in Elderly Listeners as a Function of Degree of Hearing Loss

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
KyooSang Kim ◽  
Subong Kim ◽  
Jae Hee Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Psychological Aspects ◽  
World Health ◽  
Large Individual ◽  
Hearing Handicap

Purpose: This study aimed to compare objective speech recognition and subjective hearing handicap outcomes as a function of a degree of hearing loss. Methods: 120 elderly listeners participated, ranging in age from 60-83 years. Listeners’ degrees of hearing loss were derived corresponding to a newly proposed World Health Organization hearing impairment grading system. As objective outcomes, word and sentence recognition scores (WRS, SRS) in quiet were measured at an individually determined most comfortable level. The SRS in noise were obtained at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The Korean Evaluation Scale for Hearing Handicap questionnaire for non-hearing aid users was used to evaluate the effects of hearing status on social and psychological aspects. Results: Within the same grading of hearing impairment, listeners tended to show a large individual variability in speech-in-noise recognition and subjective hearing handicaps. Listeners with even mild impairment had more reductions in SRS in noise and more handicaps in an interpersonal relationship compared to normal-hearing listeners. Among the listeners with no impairment or mild hearing impairment, listeners who had poorer sentence-in-noise scores actually showed greater hearing handicaps. The sentence-in-noise scores plus WRS explained the subjective hearing handicap by about 40%. Conclusion: The elderly with normal hearing or mild hearing loss can have reduced communication abilities in background noise, resulting in a negative effect on their social and psychological aspects. It is recommended to conduct the sentence-in-noise intelligibility test and the subjective hearing handicap survey as a standard audiometric measures to confirm the functional communication problems for the elderly.

Effects of Monaural Asymmetry and Target–Masker Similarity on Binaural Advantage in Children and Adults With Normal Hearing

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 2811-2824
Author(s):  
Ji-Sheng Liu ◽  
Ya-Feng Yu ◽  
Duo-Duo Tao ◽  
Yi Li ◽  
Fei Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Binaural Listening ◽  
Competing Speech

Purpose For colocated targets and maskers, binaural listening typically offers a small but significant advantage over monaural listening. This study investigated how monaural asymmetry and target–masker similarity may limit binaural advantage in adults and children. Method Ten Mandarin-speaking Chinese adults (aged 22–27 years) and 12 children (aged 7–14 years) with normal hearing participated in the study. Monaural and binaural speech recognition thresholds (SRTs) were adaptively measured for colocated competing speech. The target–masker sex was the same or different. Performance was measured using headphones for three listening conditions: left ear, right ear, and both ears. Binaural advantage was calculated relative to the poorer or better ear. Results Mean SRTs were significantly lower for adults than children. When the target–masker sex was the same, SRTs were significantly lower with the better ear than with the poorer ear or both ears ( p < .05). When the target–masker sex was different, SRTs were significantly lower with the better ear or both ears than with the poorer ear ( p < .05). Children and adults similarly benefitted from target–masker sex differences. Substantial monaural asymmetry was observed, but the effects of asymmetry on binaural advantage were similar between adults and children. Monaural asymmetry was significantly correlated with binaural advantage relative to the poorer ear ( p = .004), but not to the better ear ( p = .056). Conclusions Binaural listening may offer little advantage (or even a disadvantage) over monaural listening with the better ear, especially when competing talkers have similar vocal characteristics. Monaural asymmetry appears to limit binaural advantage in listeners with normal hearing, similar to observations in listeners with hearing impairment. While language development may limit perception of competing speech, it does not appear to limit the effects of monaural asymmetry or target–masker sex on binaural advantage.

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