Low- and high-frequency cortical brain oscillations reflect dissociable mechanisms of concurrent speech segregation in noise

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Anusha Yellamsetty, Gavin M. Bidelman
Parsing simultaneous speech requires listeners use pitch-guided segregation which can be affected by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the auditory scene. The interaction of these two cues may occur at multiple levels within the cortex. The aims of the current study were to assess the correspondence between oscillatory brain rhythms and determine how listeners exploit pitch and SNR cues to successfully segregate concurrent speech. We recorded electrical brain activity while participants heard double-vowel stimuli whose fundamental frequencies (F0s) differed by zero or four semitones (STs) presented in either clean or noise-degraded (+5 dB SNR) conditions. We found that behavioral identification was more accurate for vowel mixtures with larger pitch separations but F0 benefit interacted with noise. Time-frequency analysis decomposed the EEG into different spectrotemporal frequency bands. Low-frequency (θ, β) responses were elevated when speech did not contain pitch cues (0ST > 4ST) or was noisy, suggesting a correlate of increased listening effort and/or memory demands. Contrastively, γ power increments were observed for changes in both pitch (0ST > 4ST) and SNR (clean > noise), suggesting high-frequency bands carry information related to acoustic features and the quality of speech representations. Brain-behavior associations corroborated these effects; modulations in low-frequency rhythms predicted the speed of listeners’ perceptual decisions with higher bands predicting identification accuracy. Results are consistent with the notion that neural oscillations reflect both automatic (pre-perceptual) and controlled (post-perceptual) mechanisms of speech processing that are largely divisible into high- and low-frequency bands of human brain rhythms.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2nE9Eu4
via IFTTT

Low- and high-frequency cortical brain oscillations reflect dissociable mechanisms of concurrent speech segregation in noise

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Anusha Yellamsetty, Gavin M. Bidelman
Parsing simultaneous speech requires listeners use pitch-guided segregation which can be affected by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the auditory scene. The interaction of these two cues may occur at multiple levels within the cortex. The aims of the current study were to assess the correspondence between oscillatory brain rhythms and determine how listeners exploit pitch and SNR cues to successfully segregate concurrent speech. We recorded electrical brain activity while participants heard double-vowel stimuli whose fundamental frequencies (F0s) differed by zero or four semitones (STs) presented in either clean or noise-degraded (+5 dB SNR) conditions. We found that behavioral identification was more accurate for vowel mixtures with larger pitch separations but F0 benefit interacted with noise. Time-frequency analysis decomposed the EEG into different spectrotemporal frequency bands. Low-frequency (θ, β) responses were elevated when speech did not contain pitch cues (0ST > 4ST) or was noisy, suggesting a correlate of increased listening effort and/or memory demands. Contrastively, γ power increments were observed for changes in both pitch (0ST > 4ST) and SNR (clean > noise), suggesting high-frequency bands carry information related to acoustic features and the quality of speech representations. Brain-behavior associations corroborated these effects; modulations in low-frequency rhythms predicted the speed of listeners’ perceptual decisions with higher bands predicting identification accuracy. Results are consistent with the notion that neural oscillations reflect both automatic (pre-perceptual) and controlled (post-perceptual) mechanisms of speech processing that are largely divisible into high- and low-frequency bands of human brain rhythms.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2nE9Eu4
via IFTTT

Low- and high-frequency cortical brain oscillations reflect dissociable mechanisms of concurrent speech segregation in noise

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Anusha Yellamsetty, Gavin M. Bidelman
Parsing simultaneous speech requires listeners use pitch-guided segregation which can be affected by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the auditory scene. The interaction of these two cues may occur at multiple levels within the cortex. The aims of the current study were to assess the correspondence between oscillatory brain rhythms and determine how listeners exploit pitch and SNR cues to successfully segregate concurrent speech. We recorded electrical brain activity while participants heard double-vowel stimuli whose fundamental frequencies (F0s) differed by zero or four semitones (STs) presented in either clean or noise-degraded (+5 dB SNR) conditions. We found that behavioral identification was more accurate for vowel mixtures with larger pitch separations but F0 benefit interacted with noise. Time-frequency analysis decomposed the EEG into different spectrotemporal frequency bands. Low-frequency (θ, β) responses were elevated when speech did not contain pitch cues (0ST > 4ST) or was noisy, suggesting a correlate of increased listening effort and/or memory demands. Contrastively, γ power increments were observed for changes in both pitch (0ST > 4ST) and SNR (clean > noise), suggesting high-frequency bands carry information related to acoustic features and the quality of speech representations. Brain-behavior associations corroborated these effects; modulations in low-frequency rhythms predicted the speed of listeners’ perceptual decisions with higher bands predicting identification accuracy. Results are consistent with the notion that neural oscillations reflect both automatic (pre-perceptual) and controlled (post-perceptual) mechanisms of speech processing that are largely divisible into high- and low-frequency bands of human brain rhythms.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2nE9Eu4
via IFTTT

Show and Tell: Video Modeling and Instruction Without Feedback Improves Performance but Is Not Sufficient for Retention of a Complex Voice Motor Skill

Publication date: Available online 3 February 2018
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Clarisse Look, Patricia McCabe, Robert Heard, Catherine J. Madill
PurposeModeling and instruction are frequent components of both traditional and technology-assisted voice therapy. This study investigated the value of video modeling and instruction in the early acquisition and short-term retention of a complex voice task without external feedback.MethodThirty participants were randomized to two conditions and trained to produce a vocal siren over 40 trials. One group received a model and verbal instructions, the other group received a model only. Sirens were analyzed for phonation time, vocal intensity, cepstral peak prominence, peak-to-peak time, and root-mean-square error at five time points.ResultsThe model and instruction group showed significant improvement on more outcome measures than the model-only group. There was an interaction effect for vocal intensity, which showed that instructions facilitated greater improvement when they were first introduced. However, neither group reproduced the model's siren performance across all parameters or retained the skill 1 day later.ConclusionsProviding verbal instruction with a model appears more beneficial than providing a model only in the prepractice phase of acquiring a complex voice skill. Improved performance was observed; however, the higher level of performance was not retained after 40 trials in both conditions. Other prepractice variables may need to be considered. Findings have implications for traditional and technology-assisted voice therapy.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2nAIxRe
via IFTTT

INFLUENCES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND WALKING DIFFICULTY ON KNEE KINEMATICS AND KINETICS

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Annalisa Na, Sara R. Piva, Thomas S. Buchanan
BackgroundSelf-reported walking difficulty is a problem among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), however, these patients have never been studied as a subgroup population.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine known knee OA gait mechanics among those with knee OA, with (Diff) and without (NoDiff) self-reported walking difficulty, as compared to age- and sex-matched controls without knee OA.MethodsA total of 39 subjects in three groups of 13 individuals walked at a controlled gait speed during instrumented gait analysis. Gait mechanics were compared between a priori determined groups using the independent t-test.ResultsThe results of the study found that among those with knee OA, knee excursion angles were not significantly different between the Diff and NoDiff groups. Whereas, external knee moments were significantly different between the Diff and NoDiff groups but not between the NoDiff and the control groups. The lack of difference between the NoDiff and control groups were especially interesting because of the moderate to severe OA in the NoDiff group. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest the importance of considering self-reported walking difficulty among those with knee OA. Perhaps patients with knee OA-related walking difficulties use alternative gait parameters that may need to be clinically addressed. Strengths of the study included a matched design and controlled walking speed, whereas limitations were the small sample size and cross-sectional design.ConclusionsGiven the relationships found among self-reported walking difficulty, OA presence, and gait parameters, addressing gait parameters specifically related to walking difficulty may be indicated in this sub-group knee OA population.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2E09LXR
via IFTTT

INFLUENCES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND WALKING DIFFICULTY ON KNEE KINEMATICS AND KINETICS

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Annalisa Na, Sara R. Piva, Thomas S. Buchanan
BackgroundSelf-reported walking difficulty is a problem among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), however, these patients have never been studied as a subgroup population.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine known knee OA gait mechanics among those with knee OA, with (Diff) and without (NoDiff) self-reported walking difficulty, as compared to age- and sex-matched controls without knee OA.MethodsA total of 39 subjects in three groups of 13 individuals walked at a controlled gait speed during instrumented gait analysis. Gait mechanics were compared between a priori determined groups using the independent t-test.ResultsThe results of the study found that among those with knee OA, knee excursion angles were not significantly different between the Diff and NoDiff groups. Whereas, external knee moments were significantly different between the Diff and NoDiff groups but not between the NoDiff and the control groups. The lack of difference between the NoDiff and control groups were especially interesting because of the moderate to severe OA in the NoDiff group. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest the importance of considering self-reported walking difficulty among those with knee OA. Perhaps patients with knee OA-related walking difficulties use alternative gait parameters that may need to be clinically addressed. Strengths of the study included a matched design and controlled walking speed, whereas limitations were the small sample size and cross-sectional design.ConclusionsGiven the relationships found among self-reported walking difficulty, OA presence, and gait parameters, addressing gait parameters specifically related to walking difficulty may be indicated in this sub-group knee OA population.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2E09LXR
via IFTTT

INFLUENCES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND WALKING DIFFICULTY ON KNEE KINEMATICS AND KINETICS

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Annalisa Na, Sara R. Piva, Thomas S. Buchanan
BackgroundSelf-reported walking difficulty is a problem among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), however, these patients have never been studied as a subgroup population.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine known knee OA gait mechanics among those with knee OA, with (Diff) and without (NoDiff) self-reported walking difficulty, as compared to age- and sex-matched controls without knee OA.MethodsA total of 39 subjects in three groups of 13 individuals walked at a controlled gait speed during instrumented gait analysis. Gait mechanics were compared between a priori determined groups using the independent t-test.ResultsThe results of the study found that among those with knee OA, knee excursion angles were not significantly different between the Diff and NoDiff groups. Whereas, external knee moments were significantly different between the Diff and NoDiff groups but not between the NoDiff and the control groups. The lack of difference between the NoDiff and control groups were especially interesting because of the moderate to severe OA in the NoDiff group. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest the importance of considering self-reported walking difficulty among those with knee OA. Perhaps patients with knee OA-related walking difficulties use alternative gait parameters that may need to be clinically addressed. Strengths of the study included a matched design and controlled walking speed, whereas limitations were the small sample size and cross-sectional design.ConclusionsGiven the relationships found among self-reported walking difficulty, OA presence, and gait parameters, addressing gait parameters specifically related to walking difficulty may be indicated in this sub-group knee OA population.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2E09LXR
via IFTTT

Eargo Combines Better Sound and Easy Controls in New Hearing Aid

Eargo has introduced Eargo Max, which offers a more advanced sound quality and personalized control for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The rechargeable and invisible hearing aid is designed with an all-new chipset and operating system for maximum audio fidelity and noise reduction. It's is also supplied with Eargo's patent-pending Flexi Domes, which eliminate feedback and increase gain while preserving speech clarity. Eargo Max comes with sound profile memory and voice indicators, so it remembers your preferred sound profile and gently speaks them to you when you change them. 

The new hearing aid is available for purchase on Eargo's website or by phone at 1-800-61-EARGO. It is regularly priced at $2,500, but is currently available at an introductory rate of $2,250. Financing is available for as low as $104 a month. Each purchase of the hearing aid comes with a 45-day money back guarantee, one-year warranty, and ongoing support from Eargo's licensed hearing professionals. Eargo Max is currently only available in the United States. 

Published: 2/2/2018 8:28:00 AM

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2DYvpvv
via IFTTT

Eargo Combines Better Sound and Easy Controls in New Hearing Aid

Eargo has introduced Eargo Max, which offers a more advanced sound quality and personalized control for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The rechargeable and invisible hearing aid is designed with an all-new chipset and operating system for maximum audio fidelity and noise reduction. It's is also supplied with Eargo's patent-pending Flexi Domes, which eliminate feedback and increase gain while preserving speech clarity. Eargo Max comes with sound profile memory and voice indicators, so it remembers your preferred sound profile and gently speaks them to you when you change them. 

The new hearing aid is available for purchase on Eargo's website or by phone at 1-800-61-EARGO. It is regularly priced at $2,500, but is currently available at an introductory rate of $2,250. Financing is available for as low as $104 a month. Each purchase of the hearing aid comes with a 45-day money back guarantee, one-year warranty, and ongoing support from Eargo's licensed hearing professionals. Eargo Max is currently only available in the United States. 

Published: 2/2/2018 8:28:00 AM

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

Eargo Combines Better Sound and Easy Controls in New Hearing Aid

Eargo has introduced Eargo Max, which offers a more advanced sound quality and personalized control for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The rechargeable and invisible hearing aid is designed with an all-new chipset and operating system for maximum audio fidelity and noise reduction. It's is also supplied with Eargo's patent-pending Flexi Domes, which eliminate feedback and increase gain while preserving speech clarity. Eargo Max comes with sound profile memory and voice indicators, so it remembers your preferred sound profile and gently speaks them to you when you change them. 

The new hearing aid is available for purchase on Eargo's website or by phone at 1-800-61-EARGO. It is regularly priced at $2,500, but is currently available at an introductory rate of $2,250. Financing is available for as low as $104 a month. Each purchase of the hearing aid comes with a 45-day money back guarantee, one-year warranty, and ongoing support from Eargo's licensed hearing professionals. Eargo Max is currently only available in the United States. 

Published: 2/2/2018 8:28:00 AM

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