Sensitivity Enhancement of Speech Perception in Noise by Sound Training: Hearing Loss Simulation Study

김인영,김희평,한종희,Sun I Kim,See Youn Kwon,Sung Hwa Hong,이상민,김동욱 대한의용생체공학회 2011 Biomedical Engineering Letters (BMEL) Vol.1 No.2

Purpose Speech perception in noise is one of most important factors which people with hearing loss desire for better hearing. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of sound training for speech perception enhancement in background noise. Methods In our experiments, persons with normal hearing listened sounds coming through a hearing loss simulator to make them experience hearing loss virtually. In the sound training, we used the spectral ripple noise that is highly correlated to the sensitivity of speech perception in quit and noise with normal hearing person, hearing impaired person,hearing aid user, and cochlear implant user. Fourteen normalhearing subjects participated in this study. To investigate the effect of the sound training, we divided the subjects into 2group “Training group”, “Non Training group”. Each group consists of 7 normal hearing persons (Training group: male-6, female-1, Non Training group: male-5, female-2). Results The effectiveness of sound training was evaluated by the threshold of spectral resolution discrimination and the threshold of Speech perception. It was also statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon Signed test (*p<0.05). In training group, spectral resolution has improved from 8.6 ripple per octave (RPO) to 13.6 RPO. Speech perception in white noise has improved from -4.6 dB to -7.7 dB. In addition, speech perception in babble noise has improved from -4.3 dB to -7.4dB. The results were statistically significant in the training group. On the other hand, non-training group improved spectral resolution from 8 RPO to 8.4 RPO, but this result did not show statistical significance. Also speech perception in both babble and white noise did not show statistical significance. Conclusions Our results suggest that the perceptual improvement of spectral-component dissolving is significantly reflects to the speech perception in noise.

청능훈련이 보청기 착용 아동의 어음인지에 미치는 효과

이예원,황혜경,이재희 한국청각언어재활학회 2019 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.15 No.4

Purpose: Auditory training is known to be helpful for reduced speech-in-noise recognition abilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 8-week auditory training for children using hearing aids. Also, the retention effect of training was determined from 1-month and 4-month follow-up tests after the completion of training. Methods: Eight children with hearing aids participated in eight sentence-in-noise training sessions over eight weeks (one session per week, 40-minute training per session). Each child completed training lessons concentrating on closed-set speech-in-noise training with matching pictures. To evaluate the efficacy of the auditory training, word recognition score (WRS) and sentence recognition score (SRS) were measured at quiet, 10, 5, 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. Speech-in-noise performances were assessed immediately after the auditory training and again after one month and four months during which no training conducted. Sentences and talkers for tests were different from those used in the auditory training. The auditory behavior in everyday life questionnaire (ABEL) test was also conducted as a parental subjective questionnaire before and after the auditory training. Results: The word and sentence recognition abilities were significantly improved after the auditory. The improvement was observed in both quiet and noisy conditions, even at the most unfavorable SNR condition. The ABEL score was also enhanced after the auditory training. From the individual data, the 8-week auditory training influenced positively the abilities of speech recognition and parentreported auditory behaviors. Both scores of WRS and SRS in noise were maintained until 4 months after the completion of the auditory training. Conclusion: A 8-week pediatric auditory training may lead to improved speech-in-noise recognition and auditory behaviors in children with hearing aids, regardless of listening conditions. The efficacy of the auditory training was maintained until 4-month follow-up.

잡음제거 기능을 갖춘 시-청각 단서 제공 읽기 훈련 프로그램

방동혁,강현덕,길세기,이상민 한국재활복지공학회 2008 재활복지공학회논문지 Vol.2 No.1

In this paper, we introduce a reading training program offering visual-auditory cue with noise cancellation function (RT program) developed by us. The RT program provides some training sentences with visual-auditory cues. Motor speech disorder patients can use the visual and/or auditory cues for reading training. To provide convenient estimation of training result, we developed a noise cancellation algorithm. The function of the algorithm is to remove noise and auditory-cues which are recorded with reading speech at the same time while patient read the sentences in PC monitor. In addition, we developed a function for finding out the first starting time of reading sound after a patient sees a sentence and begins to read the sentence. The recorded speeches are acquired from six people(three male, three female) in four noisy environments (interior noise, white noise, car interior noise, babble noise). We evaluated the timing error for starting time between original recorded speech and processed speech in condition of executing noise cancellation function and not executing. The timing error was improved as much as 4.847±2.4235[ms] as the effect of noise cancellation. It is expected that the developed RT program helps motor speech disorder patient in reading training and symptom evaluation.

Training Programs for Improving Speech Perception in Noise: A Review

Gohari Nasrin,Dastgerdi Zahra Hosseini,Rouhbakhsh Nematollah,Afshar Sara,Mobini Razieh 대한청각학회 2023 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.27 No.1

Understanding speech in the presence of noise is difficult and challenging, even for people with normal hearing. Accurate pitch perception, coding and decoding of temporal and intensity cues, and cognitive factors are involved in speech perception in noise (SPIN); disruption in any of these can be a barrier to SPIN. Because the physiological representations of sounds can be corrected by exercises, training methods for any impairment can be used to improve speech perception. This study describes the various types of bottom-up training methods: pitch training based on fundamental frequency (F0) and harmonics; spatial, temporal, and phoneme training; and top-down training methods, such as cognitive training of functional memory. This study also discusses music training that affects both bottom-up and top-down components and speech training in noise. Given the effectiveness of all these training methods, we recommend identifying the defects underlying SPIN disorders and selecting the best training approach.

A Computer-based Perceptual Training of Korean L2 Speakers: Focusing on Speech-in-Noise Recognition Abilities

신동진(Dong-Jin Shin) 한국영어교과교육학회 2020 영어교과교육 Vol.19 No.3

The current study aims to examine if a computer-based perceptual training on vowel/focus recognition can enhance speech-in-noise recognition abilities by L2 learners. As speech-in-noise recognition has been suggested to be able to represent L2 proficiency, this study examined if the improvement in other aspects of the target language (i.e., English) can be extended to the improvement of speech-in-noise recognition. Thirty-six Korean L2 learners of English completed two different types of training sessions, as well as speech-in-noise recognition tests in pre-, mid-, and post-training sessions. The results revealed that both training types contributed to improve participants’ speech-in-noise recognition abilities, however, the improvement did not persist after the first training session. The results indicate that speech-in-noise recognition might reflect L2 learners’ proficiency, and both segmental (vowel training) and suprasegmental (focus training) and recognition is related to speech-in-noise recognition.

Enhancing Communication Ability in Hearing Aid Users: Preliminary Case Study of A Hybrid Auditory Training Approach

Eun-Yeong Shin,Soo Jin Cho,HyoIn Lee,Junghwa Bahng 한국청각언어재활학회 2024 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.20 No.2

Auditory training programs aim to improve speech perception and communication skills in hearing aid users. Despite the effectiveness of traditional face-to-face training, logistical challenges hinder its widespread adoption. To overcome these barriers, hybrid auditory training, integrating face-to-face and self-administered sessions at home, has emerged as a potential solution. This study evaluates the efficacy of a hybrid auditory training program in enhancing communication abilities among hearing aid users. Six participants engaged in a 10-session hybrid auditory training program, comprising five face-to-face sessions conducted by professionals and five self-administered sessions at home, either independently or with family members. Training activities focused on listening to sentences with and without noise, and one and two-syllable words in noise-free conditions. Standardized assessments, including the Korean version of the matrix test, modified client-oriented scale inventory, and International Outcome Inventory-Alternative Interventions, were utilized to assess speech perception, and self-reported communication abilities. Pre- and post-training assessments demonstrated significant enhancements in speech perception in noise across various signal-tonoise ratios (0-, 5-, and 10-dB signal to noise ratio). Participants reported a slight improvement in communication ability and expressed satisfaction with their participation. The study suggests that hybrid auditory training effectively enhances communication abilities in hearing aid users, akin to traditional face-to-face methods. The hybrid approach offers flexibility and accessibility, addressing logistical challenges. Further research should explore and compare various auditory training modalities to develop tailored interventions for individuals with hearing impairments.

Cognitive-Communication Abilities in Elderly Individuals Wearing Hearing Aids through Web-Based Auditory Training

Hyo Sun Chung,Junghwa Bahng 한국청각언어재활학회 2024 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.20 No.1

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the impact of web-based auditory training on speech perception in noise and cognitive-communication abilities in elderly individuals wearing hearing aids. The focus was on addressing communication difficulties commonly experienced by this demographic. Methods: Twenty participants, with over 6 months of hearing aid use, were divided into a training group (undergoing 8 weeks of weekly 60-minute web-based auditory training) and a non-training group. The training program included tasks like listening to sentences in noise, short and long stories, sentence arrangement, and crossword quizzes. Various assessments, such as Korean Repeat and Recall Test and Brief test Cognitive-Communication Disorders evaluations, were conducted before and after training. The Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment test served as a prescreening measure for cognitive impairments. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the training group’s speech perception in noise, recall, and cognitive-communicative abilities post-training. Conversely, the non-training group showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The findings suggest that web-based auditory training holds promise for enhancing cognition and communication in elderly hearing aid users. Future studies could further explore the comparative effectiveness of auditory training by categorizing participants into face-to-face, remote, and hybrid groups. This research contributes valuable insights into addressing communication challenges in the aging population through innovative training methods.

An Adaptation Method in Noise Mismatch Conditions for DNN-based Speech Enhancement

( Xu Si-ying ),( Niu Tong ),( Qu Dan ),( Long Xing-yan ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2018 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.12 No.10

The deep learning based speech enhancement has shown considerable success. However, it still suffers performance degradation under mismatch conditions. In this paper, an adaptation method is proposed to improve the performance under noise mismatch conditions. Firstly, we advise a noise aware training by supplying identity vectors (i-vectors) as parallel input features to adapt deep neural network (DNN) acoustic models with the target noise. Secondly, given a small amount of adaptation data, the noise-dependent DNN is obtained by using L2 regularization from a noise-independent DNN, and forcing the estimated masks to be close to the unadapted condition. Finally, experiments were carried out on different noise and SNR conditions, and the proposed method has achieved significantly 0.1%-9.6% benefits of STOI, and provided consistent improvement in PESQ and segSNR against the baseline systems.

문장을 이용한 일반용 청능훈련 도구개발

장성환,이정학 한국청각언어재활학회 2016 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.12 No.2

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a list of sentences for auditory training, especially speech tracking for hearing impaired adults. Methods: A total of 1,000 sentences which were collected from five popular novels, were recorded on a compact disk. Seventy-five hundred basic sentences were selected based on the validity test and 750 noise sentences were made by synthesizing basic sentences with 4-talker babble noise. Participants were 20 young and 20 elder people who spoke Korean as their first language. Results: Results showed that all 750 basic sentences scored greater than 90% of correct response rate. However, 138 noise sentences scored lower than 90% of correct response rate. In 750 noise sentences, there were significant differences in correct response rate with respect to the number of words in each sentence, age, and speaker. Conclusion: These results recommend that newly developed 750 basic sentences are appropriate in speech tracking for adult auditory training. For noise sentences, however, 618 sentences are recommended for speech tracking.

Effects of an Auditory Lateralization Training in Children Suspected to Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Yones Lotfi,Abdollah Moosavi,Farzaneh Zamiri Abdollahi,Enayatollah Bakhshi,Hamed Sadjedi 대한청각학회 2016 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.20 No.2

Background and Objectives: Central auditory processing disorder [(C)APD] refers to a deficit in auditory stimuli processing in nervous system that is not due to higher-order language or cognitive factors. One of the problems in children with (C)APD is spatial difficulties which have been overlooked despite their significance. Localization is an auditory ability to detect sound sources in space and can help to differentiate between the desired speech from other simultaneous sound sources. Aim of this research was investigating effects of an auditory lateralization training on speech perception in presence of noise/competing signals in children suspected to (C)APD. Subjects and Methods: In this analytical interventional study, 60 children suspected to (C)APD were selected based on multiple auditory processing assessment subtests. They were randomly divided into two groups: control (mean age 9.07) and training groups (mean age 9.00). Training program consisted of detection and pointing to sound sources delivered with interaural time differences under headphones for 12 formal sessions (6 weeks). Spatial word recognition score (WRS) and monaural selective auditory attention test (mSAAT) were used to follow the auditory lateralization training effects. Results: This study showed that in the training group, mSAAT score and spatial WRS in noise (p value≤0.001) improved significantly after the auditory lateralization training. Conclusions: We used auditory lateralization training for 6 weeks and showed that auditory lateralization can improve speech understanding in noise significantly. The generalization of this results needs further researches.