DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A METHOD TO ENHANCE AUDITORY ATTENTION DURING CONTINUOUS SPEECH-SHAPED NOISE ENVIRONMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (06) ◽  
pp. 1950048
Author(s):  
YIHANG DU ◽  
WEINING FANG ◽  
HANZHAO QIU
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Target Tracking ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Auditory Target ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Continuous Speech ◽  
Noise Environment ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Complex Procedure

Auditory training (AT) may strengthen auditory skills that help human not only in on-task auditory perception performance but in continuous speech-shaped noise (SSN) environment. AT based on musical material has provided some evidence for an “auditory advantage” in understanding speech-in-noise (SIN), but with a long period training and complex procedure. Experimental research is essential to develop a simplified method named auditory target tracking training (ATT) which refined from musical material is necessary to determine the benefits of training. We developed two kinds of refined AT method: basic auditory target tracking (BAT) training and enhanced auditory target tracking (EAT) training to adult participants ([Formula: see text]) separately for 20 units, assessing performance to perceive speech in noise environment after training. The EAT group presented better speech perception performance than the other groups and no significant differences between BAT group and control group. The training effect of EAT is the most significant when uni-gender SSN and [Formula: see text] dB. Outcomes suggest that efficacy of trained EAT can improve speech perception performance and selective attention during SSN environment. These findings provide an important link between musical-based training and auditory selective attention in real-world, and extended to special vocational training.

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 Study of Acute and Sub-Acute Effects of Auditory Training on the Central Auditory Processing in Older Adults with Hearing Loss—A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 4944
Author(s):  
Carla Matos Silva ◽  
Carolina Fernandes ◽  
Clara Rocha ◽  
Telmo Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Central Auditory Processing ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Group 1

Background: Impairment in speech perception is a common feature of older adults. This study aimed at evaluating the acute and sub-acute (after three months) effects of auditory training on central auditory processing in older people with hearing loss. Methods: A nonrandomized study was conducted enrolling 15 older adults with hearing loss and an average age of 78.6 ± 10.9 years. All participants underwent a baseline otoscopy, tympanogram, audiogram and speech-in-noise test with a signal-noise ratio (SNR) of 10 and 15 dB. Afterwards, auditory training intervention was implemented consisting of 10 training sessions over 5 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups: group 1 (G1) underwent auditory training based on a speech-in-noise test; group 2 (G2) underwent a filtered-speech test. Auditory processing was evaluated at baseline (T0) immediately after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after the intervention (T2). Results: Group 1 were quite efficient regardless of the SNR in the right ear with statistically significant differences from T0 to T1 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.006 for 10 dB and 15 dB, respectively) and T0 to T2 (p = 0.011 and 0.015 for 10 dB and 15 dB, respectively). As for the left ear, the increase of success was statistically significant for the SNR of 10 dB and 15 dB from T0 to T1 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively) and from T0 to T2 (p = 0.016 and p = 0.003). In G2, there was a significant variation only from T0 for T1 in the left ear for an SNR of 10 dB (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Speech perception in noise significantly improved after auditory training in old adults.

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.

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.

Effect of Hearing Aid Acclimatization on Speech-in-Noise Perception and Its Relationship With Changes in Auditory Long Latency Responses

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 774-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megha ◽  
Sandeep Maruthy
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Speech Perception In Noise ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Long Latency Responses ◽  
Long Latency ◽  
Age Range

Objective The study attempted to track speech-in-noise perception and auditory long latency responses (ALLRs) over a period of hearing aid use in naïve hearing aid users. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship of change in speech-in-noise perception with the change in ALLRs. Method Thirty adults with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (clinical group) and 17 adults with normal hearing (control group) in the age range of 23–60 years participated in the study. Syllable identification in noise (SIN) and ALLRs in noise were measured three times (three sessions) over a period of 2 months of hearing aid use. Results Results showed a significant increase in SIN and a decrease in the latency of ALLRs in the later sessions compared to the baseline session in the clinical group. However, the changes seen across the three sessions in the control group were not statistically significant. The magnitude of change in ALLRs seen in the clinical group did not significantly correlate with the change in SIN scores seen in them. Conclusions The study provides evidence for improvements in speech perception in noise and in processing time of auditory cortical areas with hearing aid acclimatization. However, it is important to note that the improvement in ALLRs does not assure improvement in speech perception in noise.

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.

Auditory Training to Improve Speech Perception and Self-Efficacy in Aging Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1270-1281
Author(s):  
Leah Fostick ◽  
Riki Taitelbaum-Swead ◽  
Shulamith Kreitler ◽  
Shelly Zokraut ◽  
Miriam Billig
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Temporal Order Judgment ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Intensity Discrimination ◽  
Training Design ◽  
Auditory Temporal Processing ◽  
Temporal Properties ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Aging Adults

Purpose Difficulty in understanding spoken speech is a common complaint among aging adults, even when hearing impairment is absent. Correlational studies point to a relationship between age, auditory temporal processing (ATP), and speech perception but cannot demonstrate causality unlike training studies. In the current study, we test (a) the causal relationship between a spatial–temporal ATP task (temporal order judgment [TOJ]) and speech perception among aging adults using a training design and (b) whether improvement in aging adult speech perception is accompanied by improved self-efficacy. Method Eighty-two participants aged 60–83 years were randomly assigned to a group receiving (a) ATP training (TOJ) over 14 days, (b) non-ATP training (intensity discrimination) over 14 days, or (c) no training. Results The data showed that TOJ training elicited improvement in all speech perception tests, which was accompanied by increased self-efficacy. Neither improvement in speech perception nor self-efficacy was evident following non-ATP training or no training. Conclusions There was no generalization of the improvement resulting from TOJ training to intensity discrimination or generalization of improvement resulting from intensity discrimination training to speech perception. These findings imply that the effect of TOJ training on speech perception is specific and such improvement is not simply the product of generally improved auditory perception. It provides support for the idea that temporal properties of speech are indeed crucial for speech perception. Clinically, the findings suggest that aging adults can be trained to improve their speech perception, specifically through computer-based auditory training, and this may improve perceived self-efficacy.

Effect of Computerized Auditory Training on Speech Perception of Adults With Hearing Impairment

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Pizarek ◽  
Valeriy Shafiro ◽  
Patricia McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
Communicative Disorders ◽  
And Training

Computerized auditory training (CAT) is a convenient, low-cost approach to improving communication of individuals with hearing loss or other communicative disorders. A number of CAT programs are being marketed to patients and audiologists. The present literature review is an examination of evidence for the effectiveness of CAT in improving speech perception in adults with hearing impairments. Six current CAT programs, used in 9 published studies, were reviewed. In all 9 studies, some benefit of CAT for speech perception was demonstrated. Although these results are encouraging, the overall quality of available evidence remains low, and many programs currently on the market have not yet been evaluated. Thus, caution is needed when selecting CAT programs for specific patients. It is hoped that future researchers will (a) examine a greater number of CAT programs using more rigorous experimental designs, (b) determine which program features and training regimens are most effective, and (c) indicate which patients may benefit from CAT the most.

Can Behavioral Speech-In-Noise Tests Improve the Quality of Hearing Aid Fittings?

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14
Author(s):  
Robert Moore ◽  
Susan Gordon-Hickey
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Speech Perception In Noise ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Acceptable Noise Level ◽  
Perceptual Performance ◽  
Noise Test

The purpose of this article is to propose 4 dimensions for consideration in hearing aid fittings and 4 tests to evaluate those dimensions. The 4 dimensions and tests are (a) working memory, evaluated by the Revised Speech Perception in Noise test (Bilger, Nuetzel, & Rabinowitz, 1984); (b) performance in noise, evaluated by the Quick Speech in Noise test (QSIN; Killion, Niquette, Gudmundsen, Revit, & Banerjee, 2004); (c) acceptance of noise, evaluated by the Acceptable Noise Level test (ANL; Nabelek, Tucker, & Letowski, 1991); and (d) performance versus perception, evaluated by the Perceptual–Performance test (PPT; Saunders & Cienkowski, 2002). The authors discuss the 4 dimensions and tests in the context of improving the quality of hearing aid fittings.

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