INTENSITY CODING IN ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC HEARING

描述(改编自申请者摘要)： 这项研究是为了了解编码的生理机制 声学听力的动态范围及恢复或补偿减小 电听力中的动态范围。这项提案集中在这两个方面 心理物理学和语音感知实验的目标是提高语音质量 通过植入物感知。具体目标是优化电力 个人人工耳蜗使用者的参数，并设计更好的编码 语音处理器的策略和适配协议。实现目标一的方法 包括五个具体的实验。实验1检验了最佳编码 电学参数对响度的影响以及部分恢复阈值的尝试 听神经在听觉听力中的分布。实验2使用噪声 和高效率的调节剂，以恢复自发活动和神经 电刺激神经的独立性。实验3检验了 各种非线性幅度映射以恢复正常响度增长。 实验4测量了不同电极配置的激发模式 并试图恢复正常的兴奋传播。实验5描述了 电极相互作用并评估要恢复的新电极配置 双音抑制效果。最后，一组平行的五个实验 言语感知计划解决这些问题中的每一个。

DESCRIPTION(adapted from applicant's abstract): The long-term objectives of this research are to understand the physiological mechanisms for encoding the dynamic range of acoustic hearing and to restore or compensate for the reduced dynamic range in electrical hearing. This proposal focuses on both psychophysical and speech perception experiments with the goal of better speech perception through the implant. Specific aims are to optimize electric parameters in individual cochlear implant users and to design better coding strategies and fitting protocols for speech processors. The approach to aim one includes five specific experiments. Experiment 1 examines the optimal encoding of loudness by electric parameters and attempts to partially restore threshold distribution of the auditory nerve in acoustic hearing. Experiment 2 uses noise and high-rate conditioners to restore spontaneous activity and neural independence in the electrically stimulated nerve. Experiment 3 examines various nonlinear amplitude mappings to restore normal loudness growth. Experiment 4 measures excitation patterns of various electrode configurations and attempts to restore normal spread of excitation. Experiment 5 characterizes electrode interactions and evaluates a new electrode configuration to restore two-tone suppression effects. Finally, a parallel set of five experiments on speech perception is planned to address each of these issues.