Comparing hearing-aid algorithm performance using Simulated Performance Intensity Functions

Authors

  • Andrew Hines Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
  • Naomi Harte Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Simulated performance-intensity functions were used to quantitatively discriminate speech intelligibility through phoneme discrimination assessment. Listener test results for subjects with a wide range of sensorineural hearing losses were simulated using an auditory nerve model and compared to real listeners' unaided and aided performance. Simulations of NAL-RP and DSL 4.0 fitting algorithms were compared. Auditory-nerve discharge patterns from the model were presented as neurograms. An automated ranking process was used to quantify neurogram degradation using a new measure, the Neurogram Similarity Index Measure (NSIM). The measure has previously been shown to correlate well in predictions of phoneme discrimination for normal hearing listeners in both quiet and noise. In this study, simulated responses to consonant-vowel-consonant word lists in a quiet environment at a range of presentation levels were used to produce phoneme discrimination scores. This represents a further step in validating the use of auditory-nerve models to predict speech intelligibility for different hearing-aid fitting methods in a simulated environment, allowing the potential for rapid prototyping and early design assessment of new hearing-aid algorithms.

References

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Additional Files

Published

2011-12-15

How to Cite

Hines, A., & Harte, N. (2011). Comparing hearing-aid algorithm performance using Simulated Performance Intensity Functions. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, 3, 347–354. Retrieved from https://proceedings.isaar.eu/index.php/isaarproc/article/view/2011-40

Issue

Vol. 3 (2011): Speech Perception and Auditory Disorders

Section

2011/3. Models of speech processing and perception

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