Combined Effects of Noise and Reverberation on Sound Localization for Listeners With Normal Hearing and Bilateral Cochlear Implants

Purpose

This study examined the individual and combined effects of noise and reverberation on the ability of listeners with normal hearing (NH) and with bilateral cochlear implants (BCIs) to localize speech.

Method

Six adults with BCIs and 10 with NH participated. All subjects completed a virtual localization test in quiet and at 0-, −4-, and −8-dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in simulated anechoic and reverberant (0.2-, 0.6-, and 0.9-s RT₆₀) environments. BCI users were also tested at +8- and +4-dB SNR. A 3-word phrase was presented at 70 dB SPL from 9 simulated locations in the frontal horizontal plane (±90°), with the noise source at 0°.

Results

BCIs users had significantly poorer localization than listeners with NH in all conditions. BCI users' performance started to decrease at a higher SNR (+4 dB) and shorter RT₆₀ (0.2 s) than listeners with NH (−4 dB and 0.6 s). The combination of noise and reverberation began to degrade localization of BCI users at a higher SNR and a shorter RT₆₀ than listeners with NH.

Conclusion

The clear effect of noise and reverberation on the performance of BCI users provides information that should be useful for refining cochlear implant processing strategies and developing cochlear implant rehabilitation plans to optimize binaural benefit for BCI users in everyday listening situations.

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Combined Effects of Noise and Reverberation on Sound Localization for Listeners With Normal Hearing and Bilateral Cochlear Implants

Purpose

This study examined the individual and combined effects of noise and reverberation on the ability of listeners with normal hearing (NH) and with bilateral cochlear implants (BCIs) to localize speech.

Method

Six adults with BCIs and 10 with NH participated. All subjects completed a virtual localization test in quiet and at 0-, −4-, and −8-dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in simulated anechoic and reverberant (0.2-, 0.6-, and 0.9-s RT₆₀) environments. BCI users were also tested at +8- and +4-dB SNR. A 3-word phrase was presented at 70 dB SPL from 9 simulated locations in the frontal horizontal plane (±90°), with the noise source at 0°.

Results

BCIs users had significantly poorer localization than listeners with NH in all conditions. BCI users' performance started to decrease at a higher SNR (+4 dB) and shorter RT₆₀ (0.2 s) than listeners with NH (−4 dB and 0.6 s). The combination of noise and reverberation began to degrade localization of BCI users at a higher SNR and a shorter RT₆₀ than listeners with NH.

Conclusion

The clear effect of noise and reverberation on the performance of BCI users provides information that should be useful for refining cochlear implant processing strategies and developing cochlear implant rehabilitation plans to optimize binaural benefit for BCI users in everyday listening situations.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_AJA-16-0101/2660565/Combined-Effects-of-Noise-and-Reverberation-on
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Combined Effects of Noise and Reverberation on Sound Localization for Listeners With Normal Hearing and Bilateral Cochlear Implants

Purpose

This study examined the individual and combined effects of noise and reverberation on the ability of listeners with normal hearing (NH) and with bilateral cochlear implants (BCIs) to localize speech.

Method

Six adults with BCIs and 10 with NH participated. All subjects completed a virtual localization test in quiet and at 0-, −4-, and −8-dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in simulated anechoic and reverberant (0.2-, 0.6-, and 0.9-s RT₆₀) environments. BCI users were also tested at +8- and +4-dB SNR. A 3-word phrase was presented at 70 dB SPL from 9 simulated locations in the frontal horizontal plane (±90°), with the noise source at 0°.

Results

BCIs users had significantly poorer localization than listeners with NH in all conditions. BCI users' performance started to decrease at a higher SNR (+4 dB) and shorter RT₆₀ (0.2 s) than listeners with NH (−4 dB and 0.6 s). The combination of noise and reverberation began to degrade localization of BCI users at a higher SNR and a shorter RT₆₀ than listeners with NH.

Conclusion

The clear effect of noise and reverberation on the performance of BCI users provides information that should be useful for refining cochlear implant processing strategies and developing cochlear implant rehabilitation plans to optimize binaural benefit for BCI users in everyday listening situations.

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Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels

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Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2h6d5aj
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Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2y5Y1iC
via IFTTT

Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels

.


from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2y5Y1iC
via IFTTT

Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels

.


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Research of genetic bases of hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss.

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Research of genetic bases of hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss.

Turk Pediatri Ars. 2017 Sep;52(3):122-132

Authors: Subaşıoğlu A, Duman D, Sırmacı A, Bademci G, Carkıt F, Somdaş MA, Erkan M, Tekin M, Dündar M

Abstract
AIM: Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder that affects approximately one per 1000 live births. With this project, we aimed to identify gene variants that were common causes of hearing loss in Turkey to contribute to the planning of genetic screening programs for hearing loss, as well as to improve genetic counseling to affected families.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one families with at least two affected individuals and parental consanguinity who presented with non-syndromic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss were included in this study. We first screened for mutations in GJB2 and mitochondrial DNA 12S RNA genes. Subsequently, we genotyped the TMIE c.250C>T and SNP markers flanking the SLC26A4, MYO7A, MYO15A, OTOF, CDH23, TMIE, TECTA, PCDH15, TMC1, TMPRSS3, TMHS genes in the remaining twelve families without mutations in GJB2.
RESULTS: Screening for mutations in GJB2 gene showed c.[35delG];[35delG] mutation in four families, c.[35delG];[507C>A] mutation in two families, c.[35delG];[-23+1G>A] mutation in one family, and c.457G>A heterozygous mutation in one family. Genotyping SNP markers showed the c.[250C>T];[250C>T] mutation in TMIE in one family. A homozygous region with SNP genotypes was detected with the OTOF gene in one family, the TMPRSS3 gene in another family, and also a homozygous region was detected with TMHS, OTOF, and TMPRSS3 genes in another family.
CONCLUSIONS: Further research will be required to determine the genetic bases of hearing loss in families with non-syndromic hearing loss.

PMID: 29062245 [PubMed]

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Remodeling of the Inner Hair Cell Microtubule Meshwork in a Mouse Model of Auditory Neuropathy AUNA1.

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Remodeling of the Inner Hair Cell Microtubule Meshwork in a Mouse Model of Auditory Neuropathy AUNA1.

eNeuro. 2016 Nov-Dec;3(6):

Authors: Surel C, Guillet M, Lenoir M, Bourien J, Sendin G, Joly W, Delprat B, Lesperance MM, Puel JL, Nouvian R

Abstract
Auditory neuropathy 1 (AUNA1) is a form of human deafness resulting from a point mutation in the 5' untranslated region of the Diaphanous homolog 3 (DIAPH3) gene. Notably, the DIAPH3 mutation leads to the overexpression of the DIAPH3 protein, a formin family member involved in cytoskeleton dynamics. Through study of diap3-overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice, we examine in further detail the anatomical, functional, and molecular mechanisms underlying AUNA1. We identify diap3 as a component of the hair cells apical pole in wild-type mice. In the diap3-overexpressing Tg mice, which show a progressive threshold shift associated with a defect in inner hair cells (IHCs), the neurotransmitter release and potassium conductances are not affected. Strikingly, the overexpression of diap3 results in a selective and early-onset alteration of the IHC cuticular plate. Molecular dissection of the apical components revealed that the microtubule meshwork first undergoes aberrant targeting into the cuticular plate of Tg IHCs, followed by collapse of the stereociliary bundle, with eventual loss of the IHC capacity to transmit incoming auditory stimuli.

PMID: 28058271 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Ethovision™ analysis of open field behaviour in rats following bilateral vestibular loss.

Ethovision™ analysis of open field behaviour in rats following bilateral vestibular loss.

J Vestib Res. 2017;27(2-3):89-101

Authors: Aitken P, Zheng Y, Smith PF

Abstract
Bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) causes a unique behavioural syndrome in rodents, with symptoms such as locomotor hyperactivity and changes in exploratory behaviour. Many of these symptoms appear to be indirect consequences of the loss of vestibular reflex function and are difficult to explain. Although such symptoms have been reported before, there have been few systematic studies of the effects of BVL using automated digital tracking systems in which many behavioural symptoms can be measured simultaneously with high precision. In this study, data were obtained from rats with BVL induced by intratympanic sodium arsanilate injections (n = 7) or sham injections (n = 8) and their behaviour in the open field was measured at 3 days and 23 days post-injection using Ethovision™ tracking software. BVL rats demonstrated reduced thigmotaxis, with more time spent in the central zones. Twenty-three days post-injection, BVL animals showed increased locomotor activity in the open field. The increase in activity was also reflected in the number of transitions between each zone of the field. In addition to increased activity, BVL animals showed increased whole body rotations following lesions. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and random forest classification (RFC), we were able to show that the indirect behavioural effects of BVL, excluding direct measurement of vestibular reflex function, could correctly predict whether animals had received a BVL with a high degree of accuracy at both day 3 and day 23 post-BVL (83% and 100% for LDA, and 100% and 100% for RFC, respectively). RFC has been similarly successful in classifying other hyperactivity syndromes such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These results suggest that BVL results in a unique behavioural signature that can identify vestibular loss in rats even without direct vestibular reflex measurements.

PMID: 29064826 [PubMed - in process]

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Ethovision™ analysis of open field behaviour in rats following bilateral vestibular loss.

Ethovision™ analysis of open field behaviour in rats following bilateral vestibular loss.

J Vestib Res. 2017;27(2-3):89-101

Authors: Aitken P, Zheng Y, Smith PF

Abstract
Bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) causes a unique behavioural syndrome in rodents, with symptoms such as locomotor hyperactivity and changes in exploratory behaviour. Many of these symptoms appear to be indirect consequences of the loss of vestibular reflex function and are difficult to explain. Although such symptoms have been reported before, there have been few systematic studies of the effects of BVL using automated digital tracking systems in which many behavioural symptoms can be measured simultaneously with high precision. In this study, data were obtained from rats with BVL induced by intratympanic sodium arsanilate injections (n = 7) or sham injections (n = 8) and their behaviour in the open field was measured at 3 days and 23 days post-injection using Ethovision™ tracking software. BVL rats demonstrated reduced thigmotaxis, with more time spent in the central zones. Twenty-three days post-injection, BVL animals showed increased locomotor activity in the open field. The increase in activity was also reflected in the number of transitions between each zone of the field. In addition to increased activity, BVL animals showed increased whole body rotations following lesions. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and random forest classification (RFC), we were able to show that the indirect behavioural effects of BVL, excluding direct measurement of vestibular reflex function, could correctly predict whether animals had received a BVL with a high degree of accuracy at both day 3 and day 23 post-BVL (83% and 100% for LDA, and 100% and 100% for RFC, respectively). RFC has been similarly successful in classifying other hyperactivity syndromes such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These results suggest that BVL results in a unique behavioural signature that can identify vestibular loss in rats even without direct vestibular reflex measurements.

PMID: 29064826 [PubMed - in process]

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