Investigating the relationship between spectro-temporal modulation detection, aided speech perception, and directional noise reduction preference in hearing-impaired listeners

Authors

  • Johannes Zaar Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
  • Lisbeth Birkelund Simonsen Interacoustics Research Unit, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
  • Thomas Behrens Oticon A/S, DK-2765 Smørum, Denmark
  • Torsten Dau Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
  • Søren Laugesen Interacoustics Research Unit, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark

Keywords:

spectro-temporal modulation, noise reduction, hearing aid processing, speech intelligibility, hearing impairment

Abstract

In analogy to the restoration of reduced audibility via hearing-aid amplification, supra-threshold speech processing deficits may be partially compensated for by using state-of-the-art directional noise reduction (NR) techniques. However, while amplification is usually prescribed based on classical audiometry, a clinical test that represents supra-threshold speech processing and is thus useful for prescribing NR settings is yet to be established. The present study explored the potential of a suitably adapted spectro-temporal modulation detection (STMD) test for this purpose by means of laboratory-based tests and field tests with 30 hearing-impaired participants. In particular, it was investigated whether STMD performance (i) predicts aided speech intelligibility measured in a spatial multi-talker set up with different degrees of NR and (ii) predicts preference for moderate vs. aggressive NR. STMD thresholds were strongly correlated with (i) speech scores measured without NR, (ii) speech intelligibility benefit induced by aggressive NR, and (iii) the individual participants’ NR preference. The latter relationship was mediated by performance in a reverse digit span task, which measures working memory capacity. Overall, the results suggest that a clinical test that assesses STMD sensitivity may be useful for prescribing NR settings in hearing-aid fitting.

References

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Auditory Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems

Additional Files

Published

2020-04-29

How to Cite

Zaar, J., Simonsen, L. B., Behrens, T., Dau, T., & Laugesen, S. (2020). Investigating the relationship between spectro-temporal modulation detection, aided speech perception, and directional noise reduction preference in hearing-impaired listeners. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, 7, 181–188. Retrieved from https://proceedings.isaar.eu/index.php/isaarproc/article/view/2019-22

Issue

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

Section

2019/4. Novel directions in hearing-instrument technology

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