Despite challenges, the potential of machine learning to improve cochlear implant outcomes is clear. By refining models, improving data quality, and addressing ethical concerns, we can move toward a future where CIs are more personalized and effective.
Tackling Hidden Hearing Loss
Individuals with hidden hearing loss may have “normal” hearing on a typical audiogram but still struggle to comprehend speech, especially in noisy environments like crowded restaurants.
Auditory Cue Use Changes With Age?
The results of our research suggest that individual differences in the ability to use auditory cues in noise may contribute to the range of communication challenges experienced by older adults.
Perceptual Decision-Making for Speech Recognition in Noise
Our study indicates that perceptual decision-making is engaged for difficult word recognition conditions, and that frontal cortex activity may adjust how much information is collected to benefit word recognition task performance.
Pinpointing How Older Adults Can Better Hear Speech in Noise
In real-world listening situations, we always listen to speech in the presence of other sources of masking, or competing sounds. One of the major sources of masking in such situations is the speech signal that the listener is not paying attention to. The process of understanding the target speech in the presence of a masking speech involves separating the acoustic information of the target speech and tuning out masker speech.
Study Explains ‘Cocktail Party Effect’ In Hearing Impairment
Commonly known as the “cocktail party effect,” people with hearing loss find it’s especially difficult to understand speech in a noisy environment. New research suggests that this may have less to do with actually discerning sounds. Instead, it may be a processing problem in which two ears blend different sounds together.
Hearing Difficulties in Noise Traced to Altered Brain Dynamics Following Cochlear Neural Degeneration
The challenge is hearing in noisy environments. In humans, evidence suggests that difficulty hearing in noisy, social settings may reflect premature auditory nerve degeneration. We report finding deterioration in perception in noisy environments after inducing bilateral moderate auditory nerve degeneration in adult mice.
A Clue Toward Understanding Difficulties With Speech Perception in Noise
While it is well known that hearing loss degrades speech perception, especially in noisy environments, less is understood as to why some individuals with typical hearing may also struggle with speech perception in noise (SPiN). Several factors appear to contribute to SPiN abilities in adults with typical hearing, including the top-down cognitive functions of attention, working memory, and inhibition.
Can I Get My Hearing Tested Online?
Online hearing tests, or tests you take yourself using a computer or smartphone, are becoming more prevalent and popular, especially alongside the market for “hearables” (smart wireless earbuds). With over-the-counter hearing aids set to become available soon, these tests that can be convenient to take at home are likely to proliferate even more.
I Would Love to Hear the Conversation
Music for Alex, and for many others with hearing loss, is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes loud music volumes, especially in crowded spaces, can be a distraction for him. This recently became apparent at dinner in a restaurant with our parents.