scholarly journals Decision making in auditory externalization perception: model predictions for static conditions

Acta Acustica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Robert Baumgartner ◽  
Piotr Majdak
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Average Error ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Perceptual Inference ◽  
Spectral Cues ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Static Conditions

Under natural conditions, listeners perceptually attribute sounds to external objects in their environment. This core function of perceptual inference is often distorted when sounds are produced via hearing devices such as headphones or hearing aids, resulting in sources being perceived unrealistically close or even inside the head. Psychoacoustic studies suggest a mixed role of various monaural and interaural cues contributing to the externalization process. We developed a model framework for perceptual externalization able to probe the contribution of cue-specific expectation errors and to contrast dynamic versus static strategies for combining those errors within static listening environments. Effects of reverberation and visual information were not considered. The model was applied to various acoustic distortions as tested under various spatially static conditions in five previous experiments. Most accurate predictions were obtained for the combination of monaural and interaural spectral cues with a fixed relative weighting (approximately 60% of monaural and 40% of interaural). That model version was able to reproduce the externalization rating of the five experiments with an average error of 12% (relative to the full rating scale). Further, our results suggest that auditory externalization in spatially static listening situations underlies a fixed weighting of monaural and interaural spectral cues, rather than a dynamic selection of those auditory cues.

scholarly journals Decision making in auditory externalization perception

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Baumgartner ◽  
Piotr Majdak
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Predictive Processing ◽  
Prediction Errors ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Perceptual Inference ◽  
Inference Problem ◽  
Processing Theory ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
Error Accumulation

AbstractUnder natural listening conditions, humans perceptually attribute sounds to external objects in their environment. This core function of perceptual inference is often distorted when sounds are produced via hearing devices such as headphones or hearing aids, resulting in sources being perceived unrealistically close or even inside the head. Psychoacoustic studies suggest a mixed role of various cues contributing to the externalization process. We developed a model framework able to probe the contribution of cue-specific prediction errors and to contrast dynamic versus static decision strategies underlying externalization perception. The model was applied to various acoustic distortions with constant reverberation. Our results suggest that the decisions follow a static, weighted accumulation of prediction errors for both monaural and interaural spectral shapes, without a significant contribution of other auditory cues. The weighted error accumulation supports generalizability of predictive processing theory to the perceptual inference problem of spatial hearing.Impact StatementA static rather than dynamic weighting of sensory prediction errors explains the inability to attribute auditory sensations to external sound sources.

Foundations of Language Development in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Infants

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Dani Levine ◽  
Daniela Avelar ◽  
Roberta Michnick Golinkoff ◽  
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek ◽  
Derek M. Houston
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
Language Input ◽  
Hearing Children

Copious evidence indicates that, even in the first year of life, children’s language development is beginning and is impacted by a wide array of cognitive and social processes. The extent to which these processes are dependent on early language input is a critical concern for most deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, who, unlike hearing children, are usually not immersed in a language-rich environment until effective interventions, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, are implemented. Importantly, some cognitive and social processes are not dependent on the early availability of language input and begin to develop before children are fitted for hearing aids or cochlear implants. Interventions involving parent training may be helpful for enhancing social underpinnings of language and for maximizing DHH children’s language learning once effective hearing devices are in place. Similarly, cognitive training for DHH children may also provide benefit to bolster language development.

Counseling during Real Ear Measurements: The Clients' Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Ryall ◽  
Lorienne M. Jenstad ◽  
John Pumford ◽  
Tami Howe ◽  
Garnet Grosjean
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background When dispensing hearing aids, audiologists must follow validated fitting and verification procedures to ensure that the hearing aids are properly fitted to the client's hearing. Real ear measurements (REMs) are best practice for verifying hearing aids. Prior literature regarding REMs has mainly focused on the clinicians' perspective. Purpose This study investigated informational counseling throughout REMs by gathering perspectives of first-time hearing aid users regarding the content and format of counseling. Research Design The study used an interpretive description approach with focus groups. Study Sample There were 16 adult participants (4 males, 12 females) who were first-time hearing aid users and who all had memory of REMs occurring during their own hearing aid verification. Intervention We investigated the addition of informational counseling during REM verification. Data Collection and Analysis Four focus groups were conducted to elicit feedback on a demonstration of informational counseling during REM hearing aid verification. The data from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Analysis revealed positive aspects, negative aspects, and suggested changes in relation to the verbal and visual information presented during the REM verification demonstration. These data fell into two broad categories: the interaction and transaction of informational counseling. Conclusion Most clients were interested in learning more about REMs if the information was accessible. Results provide recommendations for clinical audiologists and REM system manufacturers to make the information presented during informational counseling more client-friendly and individualized for client-centered care. To continue exploring this new inquiry, further experimental research is required to determine if there is any added value of incorporating informational counseling during REMs.

Noise Exposure Associated With Hearing Aid Use in Industry

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Dolan ◽  
James F. Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
High Gain ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Weighted Averages ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Level Meter

Although noise may be innocuous in many vocational environments, there is a growing concern in industry that it can reach hazardous levels when amplified by hearing aids. This study examined the daily noise exposures associated with hearing aid use in industry. This was done by both laboratory and site measurements in which hearing aids were coupled to the microphone of an integrating sound level meter or dosimeter. The former method involved the use of recorded railroad and manufacturing noise and a Bruel and Kjaer 4128 Head and Torso simulator. In the latter procedure, a worker wore one of three hearing aids coupled to a dosimeter during 8-hour shifts in a manufacturing plant. Both methods demonstrated that even when amplified by mild-gain hearing aids, noise exposures rose from time-weighted averages near 80 dBA to well above the OSHA maximum of 90 dBA. The OSHA maximum was also exceeded when moderate and high gain instruments were worn in non-occupational listening environments. The results suggest that current OSHA regulations that limit noise exposure in sound field are inappropriate for hearing aid users.

scholarly journals Totally Implantable Hearing Devices

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-142
Author(s):  
Mohan Kameswaran ◽  
S Raghunandhan
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Auditory Rehabilitation ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
Implantable Hearing Aids

Abstract Hearing aids are the principal means of auditory rehabilitation for patients with moderate to severe sensori-neural hearing loss. Although technical improvements and modifications have improved the fidelity of conventional aids, hearing aids still have many limitations including the inherent self consciousness and social stigma attached to visible hearing aids. The recently introduced totally implantable hearing aids offer patients with hearing loss several potential advantages over conventional hearing aids. This article reviews the indications, surgical procedure, advantages and the current status of totally implantable hearing devices.

scholarly journals Survey of Hearing Aid Conditions for Hearing Impaired Persons While Driving

2020 ◽  
pp. 132-136
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Ikeda ◽  
Shigeyuki Minami
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Safe Driving ◽  
Actual Usage ◽  
Hearing Ability ◽  
Acquired Hearing Loss ◽  
The Impact

Hearing impaired persons are required to drive with hearing aids to supplement their hearing ability, however, there has not been sufficient discussion regarding the impact of the use of a hearing aid on driving a vehicle. In order to investigate the actual usage and driving conditions of using hearing aids while driving a vehicle, this paper uses a questionnaire to survey (1) how easy it is to drive when wearing hearing aids, and (2) how often hearing aids are not worn while driving. Concerning the ease of driving when wearing a hearing aid, it was suggested that people with congenital hearing loss were more likely to rely on visual information, and those with acquired hearing loss continue to use their experience of hearing. When the level of disability is high, it is difficult to drive when using the hearing aid, and when the disability level is low, it is easier to drive. Regarding the frequency of driving without wearing hearing aids, about 60 % of respondents had such an experience. Those who often drive without hearing aids had experienced headaches due to noise from wearing hearing aids compared to those who wear hearing aids at all times. Hearing aids are necessary assistive devices for hearing impaired persons to obtain hearing information, and to provide a safe driving environment. Therefore, this paper addresses issues to maintain a comfortable driving environment while wearing a hearing aid.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Adoption

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (01) ◽  
pp. 006-020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Jorgensen ◽  
Michelle Novak
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Consumer Knowledge ◽  
Increase Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Hearing Devices

AbstractIn the field of audiology, change is inevitable: changes in technologies with hearing devices, changes in consumer knowledge, and changes in consumer-driven solutions. With these changes, the audiologist must adapt to meet the needs of the consumer. There are potential predictors that the audiologist could use to determine who is more likely to pursue and use amplification; by using these data, the audiologists may increase their productivity and increase patient satisfaction. The goal of this article is to investigate the MarkeTrak 10 (MT10) data to determine the trends in adoption and use of hearing aids as well as examine predictive factors that can be used to determine hearing aid adoption.

Left-Right and Front-Back Spatial Hearing with Multiple Directional Microphone Configurations in Modern Hearing Aids

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (09) ◽  
pp. 791-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyne Carette ◽  
Tim Van den Bogaert ◽  
Mark Laureyns ◽  
Jan Wouters
Keyword(s):  
Sound Localization ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Frequency Dependent ◽  
Binaural Cues ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Spectral Cues ◽  
Localization Performance ◽  
Asymmetric Configuration

Background: Several studies have demonstrated negative effects of directional microphone configurations on left-right and front-back (FB) sound localization. New processing schemes, such as frequency-dependent directionality and front focus with wireless ear-to-ear communication in recent, commercial hearing aids may preserve the binaural cues necessary for left-right localization and may introduce useful spectral cues necessary for FB disambiguation. Purpose: In this study, two hearing aids with different processing schemes, which were both designed to preserve the ability to localize sounds in the horizontal plane (left-right and FB), were compared. Research Design: We compared horizontal (left-right and FB) sound localization performance of hearing aid users fitted with two types of behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. The first type of BTE device had four different programs that provided (1) no directionality, (2–3) symmetric frequency-dependent directionality, and (4) an asymmetric configuration. The second pair of BTE devices was evaluated in its omnidirectional setting. This setting automatically activates a soft forward-oriented directional scheme that mimics the pinna effect. Also, wireless communication between the hearing aids was present in this configuration (5). A broadband stimulus was used as a target signal. The directional hearing abilities of the listeners were also evaluated without hearing aids as a reference. Study Sample: A total of 12 listeners with moderate to severe hearing loss participated in this study. All were experienced hearing-aid users. As a reference, 11 listeners with normal hearing participated. Data Collection and Analysis: The participants were positioned in a 13-speaker array (left-right, –90°/+90°) or 7-speaker array (FB, 0–180°) and were asked to report the number of the loudspeaker located the closest to where the sound was perceived. The root mean square error was calculated for the left-right experiment, and the percentage of FB errors was used as a FB performance measure. Results were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: For the left-right localization task, no significant differences could be proven between the unaided condition and both partial directional schemes and the omnidirectional scheme. The soft forward-oriented system and the asymmetric system did show a detrimental effect compared with the unaided condition. On average, localization was worst when users used the asymmetric condition. Analysis of the results of the FB experiment showed good performance, similar to unaided, with both the partial directional systems and the asymmetric configuration. Significantly worse performance was found with the omnidirectional and the omnidirectional soft forward-oriented BTE systems compared with the other hearing-aid systems. Conclusions: Bilaterally fitted partial directional systems preserve (part of) the binaural cues necessary for left-right localization and introduce, preserve, or enhance useful spectral cues that allow FB disambiguation. Omnidirectional systems, although good for left-right localization, do not provide the user with enough spectral information for an optimal FB localization performance.

scholarly journals 1212 A Systematic Assessment Of Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, And Recommendation Features In Sleep Mobile Applications

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A463-A463
Author(s):  
L Hollimon ◽  
J Moore ◽  
S Richards ◽  
R Robbins ◽  
M Grandner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Information ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Information Quantity ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Research Grade ◽  
Medical Grade

Abstract Introduction Initial download and use of sleep tracking is very high, but prolonged use is very low. Poor prolonged use may be attributable to several factors such as engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and recommendation. We appraised these five factors in 16 consumer- and research/medical- grade digital sleep devices. Methods Three reviewers independently assessed 16 consumer- and medical-grade sleep digital devices using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) App quality ratings, which measures engagement (engagement, entertainment, interest, customization, interactivity, target group), functionality (functionality, performance, ease of use, navigation, gestural design), aesthetics (layout, graphics, visual appeal), information (Accuracy. Goals, Quality of information, Quantity of information, Visual information, Credibility, and Evidence base) and recommended on a Likert scale, with 1- Inadequate to 5 Excellent. Each subcategory is rated on a 1-5 Likert scale which is summed for each category: engagement (30), functionality (25), aesthetics (15), information (35) and recommended (yes or no). Results Devices that had the highest engagement score were Fitbit (27), Apple Watch (27), Garmin (27), and Dreem 2 headband (25.5). Apple Watch (30) had highest score; while Fitbit (13), Apple Watch (13), Garmin (13), Samsung Gear (13) had highest aesthetic score. While for information, ActiGraph (35), SOMNOwatch plus (35), CleveMed SleepView Monitor (35), CleveMed Sapphire PSG (35), SOMNOscreen plus (35), Nox T3 Sleep Monitor (35) and Nox A1 PSG System (35) had the highest ratings. The Dreem 2 headband has the potential induce prolong use among users with and without sleep disorders, based on high scores on engagement (25.5), Functionality (20.5), and Information (26.5). Conclusion Consumer- and research-grade digital devices that measure sleep have varying levels of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information and recommendations to facilitate prolong use. Consumer grade devices had higher engagement, functionality and aesthetics scores, while research grade devices had higher information and recommendation scores. If consumer- and research-grade devices are to have prolonged use, standardization is needed across the five MARS components. Support K01HL135452, R01MD007716, R01HL142066, and K07AG052685

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