scholarly journals Cross-language comparison of long-term average speech spectrum and dynamic range for three Indian languages and British English

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-134
Author(s):  
Vijaya Kumar Narne ◽  
Nachiketa Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Indian Languages ◽  
Indian English ◽  
Indian Language ◽  
British English ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Speech Spectrum

Purpose: The Long-Term Average Speech Spectrum (LTASS) and Dynamic Range (DR) of speech strongly influence estimates of Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), gain and compression required for hearing aid fitting. It is also known that acoustic and linguistic characteristics of a language have a bearing on its LTASS and DR. Thus, there is a need to estimate LTASS and DR for Indian languages. The present work on three Indian languages fills this gap and contrasts LTASS and DR attributes of these languages against British English.Methods: For this purpose, LTASS and DR were measured for 21 one-third octave bands in the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 kHz for Hindi, Kannada, Indian English and British English.Results: Our work shows that the DR of Indian languages studied is 7-10 dB less relative to that of British English. We also report that LTASS levels for Indian languages are 7 dB lower relative to British English for frequencies above 1 kHz. Finally, we observed that LTASS and DR attributes across genders were more or less the same.Conclusions: Given the evidence presented in this work that LTASS and DR characteristics for Indian languages analyzed are markedly different than those for BE, there is a need to determine Indian language specific SII, as well as gain and compression parameters used in hearing aids.

Long-Term Average Speech Spectra and Dynamic Ranges of 17 Indian Languages

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Vijaya Kumar Narne ◽  
Sreejith V. S. ◽  
Nachiketa Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Speech Sample ◽  
Indian Languages ◽  
Frequency Bands ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index

Purpose: In this work, we have determined the long-term average speech spectra (LTASS) and dynamic ranges (DR) of 17 Indian languages. This work is important because LTASS and DR are language-dependent functions used to fit hearing aids, calculate the Speech Intelligibility Index, and recognize speech automatically. Currently, LTASS and DR functions for English are used to fit hearing aids in India. Our work may help improve the performance of hearing aids in the Indian context. Method: Speech samples from native talkers were used as stimuli in this study. Each speech sample was initially cleaned for extraneous sounds and excessively long pauses. Next, LTASS and DR functions for each language were calculated for different frequency bands. Similar analysis was also performed for English for reference purposes. Two-way analysis of variance was also conducted to understand the effects of important parameters on LTASS and DR. Finally, a one-sample t test was conducted to assess the significance of important statistical attributes of our data. Results: We showed that LTASS and DR for Indian languages are 5–10 dB and 11 dB less than those for English. These differences may be due to lesser use rate of high-frequency dominant phonemes and preponderance of vowel-ending words in Indian languages. We also showed that LTASS and DR do not differ significantly across Indian languages. Hence, we propose a common LTASS and DR for Indian languages. Conclusions: We showed that differences in LTASS and DR for Indian languages vis-à-vis English are large and significant. Such differences may be attributed to phonetic and linguistic characteristics of Indian languages.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Hearing Aid Manufacturers' Software-Derived Fittings to DSL v5.0 Pediatric Targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (05) ◽  
pp. 354-362
Author(s):  
Paula Folkeard ◽  
Marlene Bagatto ◽  
Susan Scollie
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Programming Software ◽  
Test Level

Abstract Background Hearing aid prescriptive methods are a commonly recommended component of evidence-based preferred practice guidelines and are often implemented in the hearing aid programming software. Previous studies evaluating hearing aid manufacturers' software-derived fittings to prescriptions have shown significant deviations from targets. However, few such studies examined the accuracy of software-derived fittings for the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) v5.0 prescription. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of software-derived fittings to the DSL v5.0 prescription, across a range of hearing aid brands, audiograms, and test levels. Research Design This study is a prospective chart review with simulated cases. Data Collection and Analysis A set of software-derived fittings were created for a six-month-old test case, across audiograms ranging from mild to profound. The aided output from each fitting was verified in the test box at 55-, 65-, 75-, and 90-dB SPL, and compared with DSL v5.0 child targets. The deviations from target across frequencies 250-6000 Hz were calculated, together with the root-mean-square error (RMSE) from target. The aided Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) values generated for the speech passages at 55- and 65-dB SPL were compared with published norms. Study Sample Thirteen behind-the-ear style hearing aids from eight manufacturers were tested. Results The amount of deviation per frequency was dependent on the test level and degree of hearing loss. Most software-derived fittings for mild-to-moderately severe hearing losses fell within ± 5 dB of the target for most frequencies. RMSE results revealed more than 84% of those hearing aid fittings for the mild-to-moderate hearing losses were within 5 dB at all test levels. Fittings for severe to profound hearing losses had the greatest deviation from target and RMSE. Aided SII values for the mild-to-moderate audiograms fell within the normative range for DSL pediatric fittings, although they fell within the lower portion of the distribution. For more severe losses, SII values for some hearing aids fell below the normative range. Conclusions In this study, use of the software-derived manufacturers' fittings based on the DSL v5.0 pediatric targets set most hearing aids within a clinically acceptable range around the prescribed target, particularly for mild-to-moderate hearing losses. However, it is likely that clinician adjustment based on verification of hearing aid output would be required to optimize the fit to target, maximize aided SII, and ensure appropriate audibility across all degrees of hearing loss.

Peaks in the Frequency Response of Hearing Aids: Evaluation of the Effects on Speech Intelligibility and Sound Quality

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald A. van Buuren ◽  
Joost M. Festen ◽  
Tammo Houtgast
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Response ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Reference Frequency ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Speech Spectrum ◽  
Series Of Experiments

In a series of experiments, we introduced peaks of 10, 20, and 30 dB, in various combinations, onto a smooth reference frequency response. For each of the conditions, we evaluated speech intelligibility in noise, using a test as developed by Plomp and Mimpen (1979), and sound quality (for both speech and music), using a rating-scale procedure. We performed the experiments with 26 listeners with sensorineurally impaired hearing and 10 listeners with normal hearing. Signal processing was accomplished digitally; for each listener, the stimuli were filtered and subsequently amplified so that the average speech spectrum was well above the threshold of hearing at all frequencies. The results show that, as a result of the introduction of peaks onto the frequency response, speech intelligibility is affected more for the listeners with impaired hearing than for those with normal hearing. Sound-quality judgments tend to be less different between the listener groups. Conditions with 30-dB peaks especially show serious effects on both speech intelligibility and sound quality.

scholarly journals A Study on the Korean Conversation Speech Level and Spectrum in Sound-Treated Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Kwon Han ◽  
Kyoungwon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Conversational Speech ◽  
Hearing Aid Fitting ◽  
Importance Function ◽  
Speech Spectrum ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Korean Type

Purpose: Several studies have reported the differences between Korean and other countries’ speech in long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS) and band importance function. Authors tried to identify the conversational speech level, the resulting spectrum, and the LTASS for Korean. The purpose of this study was to support the production of a Korean-type hearing aid fitting formula to effectively improve the sound quality of hearing aids and the communication abilities with hearing aids, and to standardize the sound stimuli required to measure the performance of hearing aids. Methods: A total of 73 participants with normal hearing and with no specific voice and language deficits was voluntarily recruited from capital, Gyeongsang and Jeolla areas. The conversational speech level was measured by vocalizing ‘soft,’ ‘moderate,’ ‘raised,’ and ‘loud’ at a distance of 1.0 m from the speaker. And LTASS was measured by vocalizing it at a distance of 0.2 m from the speaker. Results: There was a difference in the mean of males and females in the conversation level, but no significant regional differences were shown. The conversational speech level corresponding to 30th, 65th, and 99th percentiles was 59.67, 64.74, and 79.07 dB sound pressure level, respectively. And the speech spectrum of 30th, 65th, and 99th percentile and LTASS showed in different forms from the international speech test signal. Conclusion: The results of this study should help to calculate the Korean type hearing aid fitting formula and should be used as the basic data to determine the characteristics of the sound stimuli when measuring the performance of the hearing aid.

ATTENTUATION OF THE OUTPUT SIGNAL BY PROTECTIVE AND FIXING TOOLS FOR HEARING AIDS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Akustika ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 163-167
Author(s):  
Sergei Levin ◽  
Gaziz Tufatulin ◽  
Inna Koroleva ◽  
Viktoriia Vasilyeva ◽  
Elena Levina
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Input Signal ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Acoustic Measurements ◽  
Signal Attenuation ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Significant Attenuation ◽  
Speech Spectrum ◽  
Sound Processor

The aim was to study amount of attenuation of input signal at the hearing aid (HA) or cochlear implant sound processor (SP) microphone by different protective tools or clothes. Materials and methods. The acoustic measurements were conducted in the soundproof cabin using artificial head with HA/SP and different protective tools, which can influence on microphone function. Probe microphone was integrated in the microphone input of SP and connected with HA verification system. Results. The biggest amount of signal attenuation was observed using water-resistant cases for SP. Changes affect the speech spectrum, therefore using such protective tools can lead to decrease of speech intelligibility. Maximum attenuation was 9.36±0.33 dB at 4000 Hz. Non-hermetic membrane protective cases gave maximum attenuation 7.67±0.18 dB (5000 Hz). Clothes which cover head lead to significant change of signal at microphone up to 9.24±0.16 dB mostly at high-frequencies, which less influences on speech intelligibility. The results confirm that clothes and protective tools for HA of SP show significant attenuation of sounds.

Factors Associated With Hearing Aid Wear Time in a Subset of U.S. Military Veterans: Tinnitus, the Presence of One or More Neurologic Conditions, and Unaided Speech Intelligibility Index

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Nicholas P. Giuliani
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Wear Time ◽  
Male Veterans ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index

Purpose A retrospective analysis was conducted to explore how tinnitus, one or more neurologic conditions, unaided speech intelligibility index, and other comorbidities impact the average number of hours hearing aids are worn each day by U.S. Military Veterans. Method Medical records and a hearing aid database were queried to obtain information regarding active medical problems and average daily hearing aid wear time. Multiple linear regression was used to explore these relationships for 215 male Veterans whose records were available from 2009 to 2020. To be analyzed, Veterans must have possessed their hearing aid(s) for at least 3 consecutive months. Results An active problem of subjective tinnitus was associated with increased hearing aid wear time (positive association) and one or more active neurologic conditions were associated with decreased hearing aid wear time (negative association). A high unaided speech intelligibility index (greater access to speech sounds without hearing aids) was also associated with decreased hearing aid wear time (negative association). Conclusions There are many complex audiologic and medical concerns that may affect hearing aid wear time in U.S. Military Veterans. Therefore, the information from this study should be expanded on prospectively by further exploring these associations, and their severity, on hearing aid wear time. The information from this and future studies may lead to clinical recommendations with the goal of increasing daily hearing aid use in this and other populations.

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 Intelligibility and Clarity of Reverberant Speech: Effects of Wide Dynamic Range Compression Release Time and Working Memory

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1543-1554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul N. Reinhart ◽  
Pamela E. Souza
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Release Time ◽  
Wide Dynamic Range ◽  
Dynamic Range Compression ◽  
Release Times ◽  
Memory Group ◽  
Reverberant Speech

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of varying wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) release time on intelligibility and clarity of reverberant speech. The study also considered the role of individual working memory. Method Thirty older listeners with mild to moderately-severe sloping sensorineural hearing loss participated. Individuals were divided into high and low working memory groups on the basis of the results of a reading span test. Participants listened binaurally to sentence stimuli simulated at a range of reverberation conditions and WDRC release times using a high compression ratio. Outcome measures included objective intelligibility and subjective clarity ratings. Results Speech intelligibility and clarity ratings both decreased as a function of reverberation. The low working memory group demonstrated a greater decrease in intelligibility with increasing amounts of reverberation than the high working memory group. Both groups, regardless of working memory, had higher speech intelligibility and clarity ratings with longer WDRC release times. WDRC release time had a larger effect on speech intelligibility under more reverberant conditions. Conclusions Reverberation significantly affects speech intelligibility, particularly for individuals with lower working memory. In addition, longer release times in hearing aids may improve listener speech intelligibility and clarity in reverberant environments.

NIDCD/VA Hearing Aid Clinical Trial and Follow-Up: Background

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (04) ◽  
pp. 274-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene W. Bratt ◽  
Mia A.L. Rosenfeld ◽  
David W. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Calidad De Vida ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

This report provides background regarding the Long Term Follow-Up of Patients in the NIDCD/VA Hearing Aid Clinical Trial study and serves as an introduction to the detailed reports that follow in this issue of Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. The authors investigated five- to seven-year benefit/satisfaction in participants from the original NIDCD/VA Hearing Aid Clinical Trial. The new study was designed to investigate current use of the original study hearing aids, to compare changes in selected audiological measures, and to assess possible predictors of long-term hearing aid use. The outcome measures included estimates of speech intelligibility in quiet and noise, self-reported patterns of hearing aid usage, self-reported estimates of activity limitations and quality-of-life issues, estimates of hearing aid satisfaction, and self-reported hearing aid benefit. Overall, the short-term benefits of hearing aid use observed during the original trial were noted to persist in the long term. Este reporte suministra información relacionada con el Seguimiento a Largo Plazo de los Pacientes del Estudio Clínico de Auxiliares Auditivos del NIDCD/VA, y sirve como una introducción de los reportes detallados que siguen a continuación en esta edición del Journal de la Academia Americana de Audiología. Los autores investigaron por cinco a siete años la satisfacción/beneficio en los participantes del Estudio Clínico de Auxiliares Auditivos del NIDCD/VA original. El nuevo estudio fue designado para investigar el uso actual de los auxiliares auditivos (AA) originales del estudio, para comparar cambios en las medidas audiológicas seleccionadas, y evaluar posibles elementos de predicción a largo plazo en el uso de AA. Las medidas de resultado incluyeron estimados de la inteligibilidad del lenguaje en silencio y en ruido, patrones auto-reportados de uso del AA, estimaciones auto-reportadas de limitación en la actividad y en asuntos de calidad de vida, estimaciones de satisfacción en el uso del AA y auto-reportes de beneficios con el AA. Globalmente, los beneficios a corto plazo del uso de auxiliares auditivos durante el estudio original persistieron en el largo plazo.

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