Reducing Simulated Channel Interaction Reveals Differences in Phoneme Identification Between Children and Adults With Normal Hearing

This study investigates covariation of perception and production of vowel contrasts in speakers who use cochlear implants and identification of those contrasts by listeners with normal hearing. Formant measures were made of seven vowel pairs whose members are neighboring in acoustic space. The vowels were produced in carrier phrases by 8 postlingually deafened adults, before and after they received their cochlear implants (CI). Improvements in a speaker's production and perception of a given vowel contrast and normally hearing listeners' identification of that contrast in masking noise tended to occur together. Specifically, speakers who produced vowel pairs with reduced contrast in the pre-CI condition (measured by separation in the acoustic vowel space) and who showed improvement in their perception of these contrasts post-CI (measured with a phoneme identification test) were found to have enhanced production contrasts post-CI in many cases. These enhanced production contrasts were associated, in turn, with enhanced masked word recognition, as measured from responses of a group of 10 normally hearing listeners. The results support the view that restoring self-hearing allows a speaker to adjust articulatory routines to ensure sufficient perceptual contrast for listeners.

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Cochlear Implant: Effect of the Number of Channel and Frequency Selectivity on Speech Understanding in Noise Preliminary Results in Simulation with Normal-Hearing Subjects

Modelling Measurement and Control C ◽

10.18280/mmc_c.811-404 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 81 (1-4) ◽

pp. 17-23

Author(s):

P.A. Cucis ◽

C. Berger-Vachon ◽

R. Hermann ◽

H. Thaï-Van ◽

S. Gallego ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cochlear Implant ◽

Signal To Noise Ratio ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Measuring Channel ◽

Frequency Selectivity ◽

Speech Understanding ◽

Preliminary Results ◽

Channel Interaction ◽

Speech Understanding In Noise ◽

The Impact

The cochlear implant is the most successful implantable device for the rehabilitation of profound deafness. However, in some cases, the electrical stimulation delivered by the electrode can spread inside the cochlea creating overlap and interaction between frequency channels. By using channel-selection algorithms like the “nofm” coding-strategy, channel interaction can be reduced. This paper describes the preliminary results of experiments conducted with normal hearing subjects (n = 9). Using a vocoder, the present study simulated the hearing through a cochlear implant. Speech understanding in noise was measured by varying the number of selected channels (“nofm”: 4, 8, 12 and 16of20) and the degree of simulated channel interaction (“Low”, “Medium”, “High”). Also, with the vocoder, we evaluated the impact of simulated channel interaction on frequency selectivity by measuring psychoacoustic tuning curves. The results showed a significant average effect of the signal-to-noise ratio (p < 0.0001), the degree of channel interaction (p < 0.0001) and the number of selected channels, (p = 0.029). The highest degree of channel interaction significantly decreases intelligibility as well as frequency selectivity. These results underline the importance of measuring channel interaction for cochlear implanted patients to have a prognostic test and to adjust fitting methods in consequence. The next step of this project will be to transpose these experiments to implant users, to support our results.

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Loudspeaker‐to‐listener distance: Effect on the phoneme identification scores of normal‐hearing and hearing‐impaired listeners

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America ◽

10.1121/1.2028775 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 88 (S1) ◽

pp. S175-S175

Author(s):

Carole E. Johnson

Keyword(s):

Distance Effect ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Hearing Impaired ◽

Phoneme Identification

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Psychoacoustic and Phoneme Identification Measures in Cochlear-Implant and Normal-Hearing Listeners

Trends in Amplification ◽

10.1177/1084713813477244 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 27-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ray L. Goldsworthy ◽

Lorraine A. Delhorne ◽

Louis D. Braida ◽

Charlotte M. Reed

Keyword(s):

Cochlear Implant ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Phoneme Identification

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A Questionnaire Survey of Current Rehabilitation Practices for Adults With Normal Hearing Sensitivity Who Experience Auditory Difficulties

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2020_aja-20-00027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 738-761

Author(s):

Tess K. Koerner ◽

Melissa A. Papesh ◽

Frederick J. Gallun

Keyword(s):

Hearing Aids ◽

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Patient Population ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Training Methods ◽

Hearing Sensitivity ◽

Considerable Benefit ◽

High Level

Purpose A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from clinical audiologists about rehabilitation options for adult patients who report significant auditory difficulties despite having normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity. This work aimed to provide more information about what audiologists are currently doing in the clinic to manage auditory difficulties in this patient population and their views on the efficacy of recommended rehabilitation methods. Method A questionnaire survey containing multiple-choice and open-ended questions was developed and disseminated online. Invitations to participate were delivered via e-mail listservs and through business cards provided at annual audiology conferences. All responses were anonymous at the time of data collection. Results Responses were collected from 209 participants. The majority of participants reported seeing at least one normal-hearing patient per month who reported significant communication difficulties. However, few respondents indicated that their location had specific protocols for the treatment of these patients. Counseling was reported as the most frequent rehabilitation method, but results revealed that audiologists across various work settings are also successfully starting to fit patients with mild-gain hearing aids. Responses indicated that patient compliance with computer-based auditory training methods was regarded as low, with patients generally preferring device-based rehabilitation options. Conclusions Results from this questionnaire survey strongly suggest that audiologists frequently see normal-hearing patients who report auditory difficulties, but that few clinicians are equipped with established protocols for diagnosis and management. While many feel that mild-gain hearing aids provide considerable benefit for these patients, very little research has been conducted to date to support the use of hearing aids or other rehabilitation options for this unique patient population. This study reveals the critical need for additional research to establish evidence-based practice guidelines that will empower clinicians to provide a high level of clinical care and effective rehabilitation strategies to these patients.

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Adaptation of the Connected Speech Test: Rerecording and Passage Equivalency

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2019_aja-19-00052 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 259-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hasan K. Saleh ◽

Paula Folkeard ◽

Ewan Macpherson ◽

Susan Scollie

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

North American ◽

First Language ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Connected Speech ◽

Internal Reliability ◽

Speech Test ◽

The Mean ◽

Unit Standard

Purpose The original Connected Speech Test (CST; Cox et al., 1987) is a well-regarded and often utilized speech perception test. The aim of this study was to develop a new version of the CST using a neutral North American accent and to assess the use of this updated CST on participants with normal hearing. Method A female English speaker was recruited to read the original CST passages, which were recorded as the new CST stimuli. A study was designed to assess the newly recorded CST passages' equivalence and conduct normalization. The study included 19 Western University students (11 females and eight males) with normal hearing and with English as a first language. Results Raw scores for the 48 tested passages were converted to rationalized arcsine units, and average passage scores more than 1 rationalized arcsine unit standard deviation from the mean were excluded. The internal reliability of the 32 remaining passages was assessed, and the two-way random effects intraclass correlation was .944. Conclusion The aim of our study was to create new CST stimuli with a more general North American accent in order to minimize accent effects on the speech perception scores. The study resulted in 32 passages of equivalent difficulty for listeners with normal hearing.

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Personal Audio System: Hearing Symptoms, Habits, and Sound Pressure Levels Measured in Real Ear and a Manikin

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00053 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (6) ◽

pp. 2016-2026

Author(s):

Tamara R. Almeida ◽

Clayton H. Rocha ◽

Camila M. Rabelo ◽

Raquel F. Gomes ◽

Ivone F. Neves-Lobo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sound Pressure ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Real ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sound Pressure Levels ◽

Audio System

Purpose The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users. Method A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used. Results Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted ( M = 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min. Conclusions The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12431435

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Use of a Mild-Gain Hearing Aid by Middle-Age Normal-Hearing Adults Who Do and Do Not Self-Report Trouble Hearing in Background Noise

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2020_aja-19-00051 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 419-428

Author(s):

Jasleen Singh ◽

Karen A. Doherty

Keyword(s):

Hearing Aids ◽

Background Noise ◽

Middle Age ◽

Hearing Aid ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Self Report ◽

Hearing Aid Use ◽

Hearing Handicap ◽

Before And After ◽

Hearing Problems

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess how the use of a mild-gain hearing aid can affect hearing handicap, motivation, and attitudes toward hearing aids for middle-age, normal-hearing adults who do and do not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Method A total of 20 participants (45–60 years of age) with clinically normal-hearing thresholds (< 25 dB HL) were enrolled in this study. Ten self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise, and 10 did not self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. All participants were fit with mild-gain hearing aids, bilaterally, and were asked to wear them for 2 weeks. Hearing handicap, attitudes toward hearing aids and hearing loss, and motivation to address hearing problems were evaluated before and after participants wore the hearing aids. Participants were also asked if they would consider purchasing a hearing aid before and after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Results After wearing the hearing aids for 2 weeks, hearing handicap scores decreased for the participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise. No changes in hearing handicap scores were observed for the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. The participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise also reported greater personal distress from their hearing problems, were more motivated to address their hearing problems, and had higher levels of hearing handicap compared to the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Only 20% (2/10) of the participants who self-reported trouble hearing in background noise reported that they would consider purchasing a hearing aid after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Conclusions The use of mild-gain hearing aids has the potential to reduce hearing handicap for normal-hearing, middle-age adults who self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. However, this may not be the most appropriate treatment option for their current hearing problems given that only 20% of these participants would consider purchasing a hearing aid after wearing hearing aids for 2 weeks.

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An Eye-Tracking Study on Audiovisual Speech Perception Strategies Adopted by Normal-Hearing and Deaf Adults Under Different Language Familiarities

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00223 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (7) ◽

pp. 2245-2254 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jianrong Wang ◽

Yumeng Zhu ◽

Yu Chen ◽

Abdilbar Mamat ◽

Mei Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Audiovisual Speech ◽

Audiovisual Speech Perception ◽

Allocation Pattern ◽

Deaf Adults ◽

Bilingual Speaker ◽

Primary Hypothesis ◽

Standard Chinese

Purpose The primary purpose of this study was to explore the audiovisual speech perception strategies.80.23.47 adopted by normal-hearing and deaf people in processing familiar and unfamiliar languages. Our primary hypothesis was that they would adopt different perception strategies due to different sensory experiences at an early age, limitations of the physical device, and the developmental gap of language, and others. Method Thirty normal-hearing adults and 33 prelingually deaf adults participated in the study. They were asked to perform judgment and listening tasks while watching videos of a Uygur–Mandarin bilingual speaker in a familiar language (Standard Chinese) or an unfamiliar language (Modern Uygur) while their eye movements were recorded by eye-tracking technology. Results Task had a slight influence on the distribution of selective attention, whereas subject and language had significant influences. To be specific, the normal-hearing and the d10eaf participants mainly gazed at the speaker's eyes and mouth, respectively, in the experiment; moreover, while the normal-hearing participants had to stare longer at the speaker's mouth when they confronted with the unfamiliar language Modern Uygur, the deaf participant did not change their attention allocation pattern when perceiving the two languages. Conclusions Normal-hearing and deaf adults adopt different audiovisual speech perception strategies: Normal-hearing adults mainly look at the eyes, and deaf adults mainly look at the mouth. Additionally, language and task can also modulate the speech perception strategy.

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