Acoustic and perceptual effects of WDRC amplification

描述（由申请人提供）：我们工作的一个持续目标是理解宽动态范围压缩（WDRC）放大对语音识别的时间线索的影响。WDRC是所有数字助听器的默认配置，因此WDRC提高语音识别的程度决定了助听器的益处和使用。然而，WDRC会降低信号的调制特性，特别是对语音识别很重要的低调制速率（包络）线索。该项目包括三组实验，采用系统的方法来规定扩增参数。第一个具体目标是定义在不降低语音识别性能的情况下可以改变包络线索的程度。我们将量化有多少包络线索可以改变，特别是在频谱退化的条件下，类似于听力损失的听众所经历的。我们最关心的是严重听力损失的听众，他们更多地依赖于包络线索，并且在文献中很少受到关注。第二个具体目标是确定可接受的包络失真水平是否取决于与听力损伤程度相关的因素。工作的假设是，听众谁减少了访问频谱线索，因此必须更多地依赖于包络信息，将有较低的识别分数，由于由WDRC造成的包络改变。我们将使用几种能力来检测和使用语音识别所需的频谱差异，这将与由于包络失真而引起的语音识别变化有关。第三个具体目标是确定可接受的包络失真量是否取决于收听环境。我们将考虑两个因素对包络失真的可接受水平的影响：背景噪声的影响和语音发音的长度。最终，这项工作的目标是确定压缩值的范围，最大限度地恢复可听度，而不会扭曲可用的调制线索。 公共卫生相关性：听力损失是我们最普遍的健康问题之一，但大多数听力损失患者的唯一治疗选择是助听器。为了提高助听器的满意度和效益，避免扭曲重要的语音线索，我们需要为每个人选择合适的处理参数。该项目的重点是确定助听器设置，以在各种听力条件下为每个人提供最佳的语音识别。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): An ongoing goal of our work has been to understand the effects of wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) amplification on temporal cues for speech recognition. WDRC is the default configuration in all digital aids, so the extent to which WDRC improves speech recognition dictates hearing aid benefit and use. However, WDRC can degrade the modulation properties of the signal, particularly the low-modulation rate (envelope) cues which are important for speech recognition. This project encompasses three sets of experiments that take a systematic approach to prescribing amplification parameters. The first specific aim is to define the extent to which envelope cues can be altered without degrading speech recognition. We will quantify how much envelope cues can be altered, particularly under conditions of spectral degradation similar to those experienced by listeners with hearing loss. We are most concerned with listeners with severe hearing loss who depend more on envelope cues, and who have received little attention in the literature. The second specific aim is to determine whether the acceptable level of envelope distortion depends on factors associated with degree of hearing impairment. The working hypothesis is that listeners who have reduced access to spectral cues, and therefore must rely more on envelope information, will have lower recognition scores due to the envelope alteration caused by WDRC. We will use several measures of ability to detect and use spectral differences necessary for speech recognition, which will be related to the speech-recognition changes due to envelope distortion. The third specific aim is to determine whether the acceptable amount of envelope distortion depends on the listening environment. We will consider the effect of two factors on the acceptable level of envelope distortion: effect of background noise and length of speech utterance. Ultimately, the goal of this work is to determine the range of compression values that maximize the restoration of audibility without distorting usable modulation cues. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Hearing loss is one of our most pervasive health problems but the only treatment option for most of those with hearing loss is a hearing aid. To improve hearing aid satisfaction and benefit and avoid distorting important speech cues, we need to choose appropriate processing parameters for each individual. The focus of this project is to determine hearing aid settings that will provide the best possible speech recognition for each individual under a variety of listening conditions.