The implementation of efficient hearing tests using machine learning

Authors

  • Josef Schlittenlacher Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
  • Richard E. Turner Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
  • Brian C. J. Moore Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK

Keywords:

Bayesian active learning, Machine learning, Hearing tests, Audiogram, Auditory filter

Abstract

Time-efficient hearing tests are important in both clinical practice and research studies. Bayesian active learning (BAL) methods were first proposed in the 1990s. We developed BAL methods for measuring the audiogram, conducting notched-noise tests, determination of the edge frequency of a dead region (fe), and estimating equal-loudness contours. The methods all use a probabilistic model of the outcome, which can be classification (audible/inaudible), regression (loudness) or model parameters (fe, outer hair cell loss at fe). The stimulus parameters for the next trial (e.g. frequency, level) are chosen to yield maximum reduction in the uncertainty of the parameters of the probabilistic model. The approach reduced testing time by a factor of about 5 and, for some tests, yielded results on a continuous frequency scale. For example, auditory filter shapes can be estimated for centre frequencies from 500 to 4000 Hz in 20-30 minutes. The probabilistic modelling allows quantitative comparison of different methods. For audiogram determination, asking subjects to count the number of audible tones in a sequence with decreasing level was slightly more efficient than requiring Yes/No responses. Counting tones yielded higher variance for a single response, but this was offset by the higher information per trial.

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Auditory Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems

Additional Files

Published

2020-04-18

How to Cite

Schlittenlacher, J., Turner, R. E., & Moore, B. C. J. (2020). The implementation of efficient hearing tests using machine learning. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, 7, 1–12. Retrieved from https://proceedings.isaar.eu/index.php/isaarproc/article/view/2019-01

Issue

Vol. 7 (2019): Auditory Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems

Section

2019/1. Auditory precision medicine

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