Speech Perception Investigations
The laboratory is engaged in several projects aimed at enhancing speech and music perception in individuals with hearing loss. A set of studies focuses on understanding the contributions of multiple sensory inputs to speech perception.
Multisensory integration studies: One such project investigates the development of an adaptive tool to assess the contribution of visual and tactile input to perception of speech in noise. This work is funded by the Research Retirement Foundation and is done in collaboration with Dr. Ruth Bentler in UI's Hearing Aid Lab.
Signal Processing Studies: This research focuses on the development of signal processing algorithms to enhance speech and music perception in individuals with high frequency hearing loss who may not benefit from traditional amplification. This work is being done in collaboration with Dr. Chris Turner in the Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology at the University of Iowa.
The projects utilize an audiovisual adaptation of the Speech Perception Test in Noise (SPIN). Other research looks at the development of speaker and audio scene recognition algorithms for use in programmable hearing aids. This work is being done in collaboration with Dr. Marie Roch at San Diego State University. Papers that more fully describe this work are:
- Hurtig, R.R., & Turner, C. (2003). Apparatus and Methods for Proportional Audio Compression and Frequency Shifting. U.S. Patent # 6577739, The University of Iowa.
- Hurtig, R.R., & Clark, B. (1987). Broadband spectral compression (for sensory aids and signal transmission system). The University of Iowa.
- Turner, C & Hurtig, R.R. (1999). Proportional frequency compression of speech for listeners with sensorineural hearing loss. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.;106(2):877-86.