Initial Development of a Spatially Separated Speech-in-Noise and Localization Training Program

Richard S Tyler; Shelley A Witt; Camille C Dunn; Wenjun Wang

doi:10.3766/jaaa.21.6.4

Back

Initial Development of a Spatially Separated Speech-in-Noise and Localization Training Program

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Initial Development of a Spatially Separated Speech-in-Noise and Localization Training Program

Richard S Tyler, Shelley A Witt, Camille C Dunn and Wenjun Wang

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Vol.21(6), pp.390-403

06/2010

DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.21.6.4

PMCID: PMC2947843

PMID: 20701836

Files and links (1)

url

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/2947843View

Open Access

Abstract

Objective: This article describes the initial development of a novel approach for training hearing-impaired listeners to improve their ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise and to also improve their ability to localize sounds. Design: Most people with hearing loss, even those well fit with hearing devices, still experience significant problems understanding speech in noise. Prior research suggests that at least some subjects can experience improved speech understanding with training. However, all training systems that we are aware of have one basic, critical limitation. They do not provide spatial separation of the speech and noise, therefore ignoring the potential benefits of training binaural hearing. In this paper we describe our initial experience with a home-based training system that includes spatially separated speech-in-noise and localization training. Results: Throughout the development of this system patient input, training and preliminary pilot data from individuals with bilateral cochlear implants were utilized. Positive feedback from subjective reports indicated that some individuals were engaged in the treatment, and formal testing showed benefit. Feedback and practical issues resulted from the reduction of an eight-loudspeaker to a two-loudspeaker system. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest we have successfully developed a viable spatial hearing training system that can improve binaural hearing in noise and localization. Applications include, but are not limited to, hearing with hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Cochlear Implants

localization

binaural hearing

spatial hearing

speech-in-noise

Aural rehabilitation

hearing aids

spatial training

Details

Title: Subtitle: Initial Development of a Spatially Separated Speech-in-Noise and Localization Training Program
Creators: Richard S Tyler - Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa
Shelley A Witt - Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa
Camille C Dunn - Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa
Wenjun Wang - Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Vol.21(6), pp.390-403
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.21.6.4
PMID: 20701836
PMCID: PMC2947843
NLM abbreviation: J Am Acad Audiol
ISSN: 1050-0545
eISSN: 2157-3107
Publisher: American Academy of Audiology
Language: English
Date published: 06/2010
Academic Unit: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984002425402771

Metrics

32 Record Views

35 Times Cited - Web of Science