scholarly journals Effects of Auditory Training and Remote Microphone Technology on the Behavioral Performance of Children and Young Adults Who Have Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (05) ◽  
pp. 431-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Schafer ◽  
Kamakshi V. Gopal ◽  
Lauren Mathews ◽  
Skyler Thompson ◽  
Kara Kaiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Speech Recognition In Noise

AbstractIndividuals who have a normal pure-tone audiogram but are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit poorer speech recognition and auditory processing when compared with neurotypical peers with normal pure-tone audiograms.The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of a 12-week auditory processing training (APT) program that was designed to address the deleterious effects of background noise and auditory processing deficits that are common among individuals diagnosed with ASD.A repeated measures design was used.The sample consisted of 15 high-functioning children and young adults who had a formal diagnosis of ASD and who were recruited from local clinics and school districts.Participants completed the 12-week APT program consisting of computerized dichotic training, one-on-one therapist-directed auditory training, and the use of remote microphone (RM) technology at home and in the classroom.Participants completed a comprehensive test battery to assess general auditory processing skills, speech recognition in noise, acceptance of background noise, spatial processing, binaural integration abilities, self-perceived difficulties, and observed behaviors. Testing was conducted before (n = 15), immediately after (n = 15), and 12 weeks after (n = 7) the completion of the APT program. Paired t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, or nonparametric tests were used to analyze the data.On average, the APT program significantly enhanced general auditory processing abilities, including binaural integration and subjective listening abilities in the classroom. When the RM was used, significantly improved speech recognition and improved acceptance of background noise was measured relative to a condition with no technology.Following the APT program, the participants exhibited the greatest improvements in testing that required binaural integration and auditory working memory. The use of the RM technology was able to address the deleterious effects of noise on speech recognition in noise and acceptance of noise levels.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Different Signal Processing Options in Unilateral and Bilateral Cochlear Freedom Implant Recipients Using R-SpaceTM Background Noise

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (02) ◽  
pp. 065-080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison M. Brockmeyer ◽  
Lisa G. Potts
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Processing Condition ◽  
Test System ◽  
Adaptive Beamforming ◽  
Processing Conditions ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Speech Recognition In Noise

Background: Difficulty understanding in background noise is a common complaint of cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Programming options are available to improve speech recognition in noise for CI users including automatic dynamic range optimization (ADRO), autosensitivity control (ASC), and a two-stage adaptive beamforming algorithm (BEAM). However, the processing option that results in the best speech recognition in noise is unknown. In addition, laboratory measures of these processing options often show greater degrees of improvement than reported by participants in everyday listening situations. To address this issue, Compton-Conley and colleagues developed a test system to replicate a restaurant environment. The R-SPACE™ consists of eight loudspeakers positioned in a 360 degree arc and utilizes a recording made at a restaurant of background noise. Purpose: The present study measured speech recognition in the R-SPACE with four processing options: standard dual-port directional (STD), ADRO, ASC, and BEAM. Research Design: A repeated-measures, within-subject design was used to evaluate the four different processing options at two noise levels. Study Sample: Twenty-seven unilateral and three bilateral adult Nucleus Freedom CI recipients. Intervention: The participants’ everyday program (with no additional processing) was used as the STD program. ADRO, ASC, and BEAM were added individually to the STD program to create a total of four programs. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants repeated Hearing in Noise Test sentences presented at 0 degrees azimuth with R-SPACE restaurant noise at two noise levels, 60 and 70 dB SPL. The reception threshold for sentences (RTS) was obtained for each processing condition and noise level. Results: In 60 dB SPL noise, BEAM processing resulted in the best RTS, with a significant improvement over STD and ADRO processing. In 70 dB SPL noise, ASC and BEAM processing had significantly better mean RTSs compared to STD and ADRO processing. Comparison of noise levels showed that STD and BEAM processing resulted in significantly poorer RTSs in 70 dB SPL noise compared to the performance with these processing conditions in 60 dB SPL noise. Bilateral participants demonstrated a bilateral improvement compared to the better monaural condition for both noise levels and all processing conditions, except ASC in 60 dB SPL noise. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the use of processing options that utilize noise reduction, like those available in ASC and BEAM, improve a CI recipient's ability to understand speech in noise in listening situations similar to those experienced in the real world. The choice of the best processing option is dependent on the noise level, with BEAM best at moderate noise levels and ASC best at loud noise levels for unilateral CI recipients. Therefore, multiple noise programs or a combination of processing options may be necessary to provide CI users with the best performance in a variety of listening situations.

scholarly journals Auditory training in autism spectrum disorder: a case report

CoDAS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laís Ferreira ◽  
Ayra Renata D’Agostini ◽  
Fernanda dos Santos Pichini ◽  
Eduarda Pazini ◽  
Inaê Costa Rechia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Central Auditory Processing ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
P300 Component ◽  
Auditory Skills

ABSTRACT This study aimed to measure the effects of a Computer-based Auditory Training Program (CBATP) on an adolescent diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). This is the case report of a male, 14-year-old adolescent diagnosed with ASD. The individual was submitted to basic audiological evaluation, central auditory processing assessment and hearing electrophysiology (EP), pre- and post-therapeutic intervention. Central auditory processing (CAP) was assessed by means of the following instruments: Time-compressed Speech Test (TCST), Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT), Staggered Spondaic Word Test (SSWT), Frequency (Pitch) Pattern Sequence Test (FPST), and Duration Pattern Test (DPT). The P300 component of the Event-related Potential (ERP) was used in the hearing EP. Pre-intervention assessment of CAP showed changes in the auditory skills of closure, figure-ground and temporal ordering, but normal temporal resolution ability. Post-intervention evaluation of CAP showed improvement in all previously mentioned auditory skills, except for the figure-ground ability, which remained unchanged. Regarding the findings of the hearing EP, a decrease in the latency of the P300 component was observed pre- and post-intervention. This study demonstrated that the use of a CBATP resulted in improvement in the hearing abilities assessed in an adolescent diagnosed with ASD.

Sentence Recognition in Steady-State Speech-Shaped Noise versus Four-Talker Babble

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (01) ◽  
pp. 054-065
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Vermiglio ◽  
Caroline C. Herring ◽  
Paige Heeke ◽  
Courtney E. Post ◽  
Xiangming Fang
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Speech Recognition In Noise ◽  
Binaural Listening

AbstractSpeech recognition in noise (SRN) evaluations reveal information about listening ability that is unavailable from pure-tone thresholds. Unfortunately, SRN evaluations are not commonly used in the clinic. A lack of standardization may be an explanation for the lack of widespread acceptance of SRN testing. Arguments have been made for the utilization of steady-state speech-shaped noise vs. multi-talker babble. Previous investigations into the effect of masker type have used a monaural presentation of the stimuli. However, results of monaural SRN tests cannot be generalized to binaural listening conditions.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of masker type on SRN thresholds under binaural listening conditions.The Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) protocol was selected in order to measure SRN thresholds in steady-state speech-shaped noise (HINT noise) and four-talker babble with and without the spatial separation of the target speech and masker stimuli.Fifty native speakers of English with normal pure-tone thresholds (≤ 25 dB HL, 250–4000 Hz) participated in the study. The mean age was 20.5 years (SD 1.01).All participants were tested using the standard protocol for the HINT in a simulated soundfield environment under TDH-50P headphones. Thresholds were measured for the Noise Front, Noise Left, and Noise Right listening conditions with HINT noise and four-talker babble. The HINT composite score was determined for each noise condition. The spatial advantage was calculated from the HINT thresholds. Pure-tone threshold data were collected using the modified Hughson-Westlake procedure. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, effect size, correlations, and repeated measures ANOVA followed by matched-pairs t-tests.Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to investigate the effects of masker type and noise location on HINT thresholds. Both main effects and their interaction were statistically significant (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found between masker conditions for the Noise Front thresholds. However, for the Noise Side conditions the four-talker babble thresholds were significantly better than the HINT noise thresholds. Overall, greater spatial advantage was found for the four-talker babble as opposed to the HINT noise conditions (p < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis revealed no significant relationships between four-talker babble and HINT noise speech recognition performances for the Noise Front, Noise Right conditions, and the spatial advantage measures. Significant relationships (p < 0.05) were found between masking noise performances for the Noise Left condition and the Noise Composite scores.One cannot assume that a patient who performs within normal limits on a speech in four-talker babble test will also perform within normal limits on a speech in steady-state speech-shaped noise test, and vice-versa. Additionally, performances for the Noise Front condition cannot be used to predict performances for the Noise Side conditions. The utilization of both HINT noise and four-talker babble maskers, with and without the spatial separation of the stimuli, may be useful when determining the range of speech recognition in noise abilities found in everyday listening conditions.

scholarly journals Behavioral Auditory Processing in Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Schafer ◽  
Lauren Mathews ◽  
Kamakshi Gopal ◽  
Emilee Canale ◽  
Avery Creech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Adults With Asd

Abstract Background Auditory-processing deficits are common in children and adults who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These deficits are evident across multiple domains as exhibited by the results from subjective questionnaires from parents, teachers, and individuals with ASD and from behavioral auditory-processing testing. Purpose Few studies compare subjective and behavioral performance of adults and children diagnosed with ASD using commercially available tests of auditory processing. The primary goal of the present study is to compare the performance of adults and children with ASD to age-matched, neurotypical peers. The secondary goal is to examine the effect of age on auditory-processing performance in individuals with ASD relative to age-matched peers. Research Design A four-group, quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was used in this study. Study Sample Forty-two adults and children were separated into four groups of participants: (1) 10 children with ASD ages 14 years or younger; (2) 10 age-matched, neurotypical children; (3) 11 adolescents and young adults with ASD ages 16 years and older; and (4) 11 age-matched, neurotypical adolescents or young adults. Data Collection and Analysis Data from each participant were collected in one test session. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA, or nonparametric analyses. Effect sizes were calculated to compare performance between those with ASD and those who were neurotypical within each age group. Results Across all the questionnaires and the majority of the behavioral test measures, participants with ASD had significantly poorer ratings or auditory-processing performance than age-matched, neurotypical peers. Adults had more favorable performance than children on several of the test measures. Medium to large effect sizes corroborated the significant results. Conclusion Overall, the questionnaires and behavioral tests used in this study were sensitive to detecting auditory-processing differences between individuals diagnosed with ASD and those who are considered neurotypical. On most test measures, children performed more poorly than adults. The findings in this study support that both children and adults with ASD exhibit auditory-processing difficulties. Appropriate school and work accommodations will be necessary to ensure appropriate access to speech in challenging environments.

scholarly journals Early differences in auditory processing relate to Autism Spectrum Disorder traits in infants with Neurofibromatosis Type I

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannath Begum-Ali ◽  
◽  
Anna Kolesnik-Taylor ◽  
Isabel Quiroz ◽  
Luke Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Type I ◽  
Sensory Reactivity ◽  
Auditory Responses ◽  
Repetition Suppression ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Background Sensory modulation difficulties are common in children with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and could contribute to other social and non-social symptoms. Positing a causal role for sensory processing differences requires observing atypical sensory reactivity prior to the emergence of other symptoms, which can be achieved through prospective studies. Methods In this longitudinal study, we examined auditory repetition suppression and change detection at 5 and 10 months in infants with and without Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a condition associated with higher likelihood of developing ASD. Results In typically developing infants, suppression to vowel repetition and enhanced responses to vowel/pitch change decreased with age over posterior regions, becoming more frontally specific; age-related change was diminished in the NF1 group. Whilst both groups detected changes in vowel and pitch, the NF1 group were largely slower to show a differentiated neural response. Auditory responses did not relate to later language, but were related to later ASD traits. Conclusions These findings represent the first demonstration of atypical brain responses to sounds in infants with NF1 and suggest they may relate to the likelihood of later ASD.

scholarly journals Incorporating a Peer-Mediated Approach Into Speech-Generating Device Intervention: Effects on Communication of Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (8) ◽  
pp. 2045-2061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Thiemann-Bourque ◽  
Sarah Feldmiller ◽  
Lesa Hoffman ◽  
Stacy Johner
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Control Trial Design ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Speech Generating Device ◽  
Business As Usual

PurposeThis study examined the effects of incorporating a peer-mediated approach into a speech-generating device (SGD) intervention on communication of 45 nonverbal and minimally verbal preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 95 peers without disabilities. The SGD was an iPad 2 (Apple) with voice output app.MethodEffects were evaluated using a multivariate randomized control trial design with repeated measures for 4 cohorts across baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases. Children were randomly assigned to an experimental treatment that trained peers on use of the SGD or a business-as-usual comparison condition with untrained peers. Communication outcomes were measured for both children with ASD and peers.ResultsChildren receiving the treatment demonstrated significant increases in rates of communication and more balanced responses and initiations (a measure of reciprocity) than children in the comparison group. They were able to generalize improvements and maintain communication gains. Treatment fidelity was high for school staff and peer implementation.ConclusionsResults support positive effects on communication of teaching young children with ASD and peers without disabilities to use the same SGD system in typical preschool activities. SGD interventions that utilize peer-mediated approaches may improve core deficits in communication and reciprocity and allow for greater classroom social participation and interactions with peers.

Are Two Ears Not Better Than One?

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 171-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A. McArdle ◽  
Mead Killion ◽  
Monica A. Mennite ◽  
Theresa H. Chisolm
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
Analysis Experiment ◽  
Insert Earphones ◽  
Speech Recognition In Noise

Background: The decision to fit one or two hearing aids in individuals with binaural hearing loss has been debated for years. Although some 78% of U.S. hearing aid fittings are binaural (Kochkin , 2010), Walden and Walden (2005) presented data showing that 82% (23 of 28 patients) of their sample obtained significantly better speech recognition in noise scores when wearing one hearing aid as opposed to two. Purpose: To conduct two new experiments to fuel the monaural/binaural debate. The first experiment was a replication of Walden and Walden (2005), whereas the second experiment examined the use of binaural cues to improve speech recognition in noise. Research Design: A repeated measures experimental design. Study Sample: Twenty veterans (aged 59–85 yr), with mild to moderately severe binaurally symmetrical hearing loss who wore binaural hearing aids were recruited from the Audiology Department at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. Data Collection and Analysis: Experiment 1 followed the procedures of the Walden and Walden study, where signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss was measured using the Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test on participants who were aided with their current hearing aids. Signal and noise were presented in the sound booth at 0° azimuth under five test conditions: (1) right ear aided, (2) left ear aided, (3) both ears aided, (4) right ear aided, left ear plugged, and (5) unaided. The opposite ear in (1) and (2) was left open. In Experiment 2, binaural Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR) manikin recordings made in Lou Malnati's pizza restaurant during a busy period provided a typical real-world noise, while prerecorded target sentences were presented through a small loudspeaker located in front of the KEMAR manikin. Subjects listened to the resulting binaural recordings through insert earphones under the following four conditions: (1) binaural, (2) diotic, (3) monaural left, and (4) monaural right. Results: Results of repeated measures ANOVAs demonstrated that the best speech recognition in noise performance was obtained by most participants with both ears aided in Experiment 1 and in the binaural condition in Experiment 2. Conclusions: In both experiments, only 20% of our subjects did better in noise with a single ear, roughly similar to the earlier Jerger et al (1993) finding that 8–10% of elderly hearing aid users preferred one hearing aid.

Evaluation of Speech Recognition in Noise with Cochlear Implants and Dynamic FM

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (07) ◽  
pp. 409-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jace Wolfe ◽  
Erin C. Schafer ◽  
Benjamin Heldner ◽  
Hans Mülder ◽  
Emily Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Speech Processor ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Speech Recognition In Noise

Background: Use of personal frequency-modulated (FM) systems significantly improves speech recognition in noise for users of cochlear implants (CIs). Previous studies have shown that the most appropriate gain setting on the FM receiver may vary based on the listening situation and the manufacturer of the CI system. Unlike traditional FM systems with fixed-gain settings, Dynamic FM automatically varies the gain of the FM receiver with changes in the ambient noise level. There are no published reports describing the benefits of Dynamic FM use for CI recipients or how Dynamic FM performance varies as a function of CI manufacturer. Purpose: To evaluate speech recognition of Advanced Bionics Corporation or Cochlear Corporation CI recipients using Dynamic FM vs. a traditional FM system and to examine the effects of Autosensitivity on the FM performance of Cochlear Corporation recipients. Research Design: A two-group repeated-measures design. Participants were assigned to a group according to their type of CI. Study Sample: Twenty-five subjects, ranging in age from 8 to 82 years, met the inclusion criteria for one or more of the experiments. Thirteen subjects used Advanced Bionics Corporation, and 12 used Cochlear Corporation implants. Intervention: Speech recognition was assessed while subjects used traditional, fixed-gain FM systems and Dynamic FM systems. Data Collection and Analysis: In Experiments 1 and 2, speech recognition was evaluated with a traditional, fixed-gain FM system and a Dynamic FM system using the Hearing in Noise Test sentences in quiet and in classroom noise. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate effects of CI manufacturer (Advanced Bionics and Cochlear Corporation), type of FM system (traditional and dynamic), noise level, and use of Autosensitivity for users of Cochlear Corporation implants. Experiment 3 determined the effects of Autosensitivity on speech recognition of Cochlear Corporation implant recipients when listening through the speech processor microphone with the FM system muted. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine the effects of signal-to-noise ratio and Autosensitivity. Results: In Experiment 1, use of Dynamic FM resulted in better speech recognition in noise for Advanced Bionics recipients relative to traditional FM at noise levels of 65, 70, and 75 dB SPL. Advanced Bionics recipients obtained better speech recognition in noise with FM use when compared to Cochlear Corporation recipients. When Autosensitivity was enabled in Experiment 2, the performance of Cochlear Corporation recipients was equivalent to that of Advanced Bionics recipients, and Dynamic FM was significantly better than traditional FM. Results of Experiment 3 indicate that use of Autosensitivity improves speech recognition in noise of signals directed to the speech processor relative to no Autosensitivity. Conclusions: Dynamic FM should be considered for use with persons with CIs to improve speech recognition in noise. At default CI settings, FM performance is better for Advanced Bionics recipients when compared to Cochlear Corporation recipients, but use of Autosensitivity by Cochlear Corporation users results in equivalent group performance.

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