Effects of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on the Auditory Brainstem Response to 0.5 and 2 kHz Tone Bursts in Broadband Noise and Highpass Noise or Notch Noise

1994 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall C. Beattie ◽  
Lori A. Aleks ◽  
Cheryl L. Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Auditory Brainstem Response ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Noise Ratio

scholarly journals A backward encoding approach to recover subcortical auditory activity

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Schmidt ◽  
Gianpaolo Demarchi ◽  
Florian Geyer ◽  
Nathan Weisz
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Auditory Pathway ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Spatial Filters ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Stimulation Rate ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Noise Ratio

1.AbstractSeveral subcortical nuclei along the auditory pathway are involved in the processing of sounds. One of the most commonly used methods of measuring the activity of these nuclei is the auditory brainstem response (ABR). Due to its low signal-to-noise ratio, ABR’s have to be derived by averaging over thousands of artificial sounds such as clicks or tone bursts. This approach cannot be easily applied to natural listening situations (e.g. speech, music), which limits auditory cognitive neuroscientific studies to investigate mostly cortical processes.We propose that by training a backward encoding model to reconstruct evoked ABRs from high-density electrophysiological data, spatial filters can be tuned to auditory brainstem activity. Since these filters can be applied (i.e. generalized) to any other data set using the same spatial coverage, this could allow for the estimation of auditory brainstem activity from any continuous sensor level data. In this study, we established a proof-of-concept by using a backward encoding model generated using a click stimulation rate of 30 Hz to predict ABR activity recorded using EEG from an independent measurement using a stimulation rate of 9 Hz. We show that individually predicted and measured ABR’s are highly correlated (r ∼ 0.7). Importantly these predictions are stable even when applying the trained backward encoding model to a low number of trials, mimicking a situation with an unfavorable signal-to-noise ratio. Overall, this work lays the necessary foundation to use this approach in more interesting listening situations.

A Comparison of the Effects of Broadband Masking Noise on the Auditory Brainstem Response in Young and Older Adults

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Burkard ◽  
Donald Sims
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Response ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Masking Noise ◽  
Brainstem Response

We examined the effects of ipsilateral-direct, continuous, broadband noise on auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave I and V latencies and amplitudes in young adult versus older adult humans. It was hypothesized that age might influence the effects of masking noise on ABR peak latencies and/or amplitudes, given the frequent complaint of older persons’ ability to process speech in background noise. Young adults had hearing thresholds of 20 dB HL or better for the octave frequencies from 250 to 8000 Hz. A subset of older study participants had thresholds of 20 dB HL or better across frequency, but others had thresholds up to 45 dB HL. All data were collected and analyzed with a Nicolet Bravo. An electrode was placed on the tympanic membrane (as well as on high forehead and contralateral mastoid), and a click level of 115 dB pSPL was used to maximize wave I amplitude. Masker conditions included a no-noise control and noise levels ranging from 20 to 70 dB effective masking, in 10 dB steps. With increasing noise level, both age groups showed minimal changes in wave I latency, but substantial increases in wave V latency and I–V interval. Peak amplitudes decreased with increasing noise level. Mean amplitudes were smaller for the older group, most notably for wave I. Mean peak latencies were greater in the older group, but the I–V interval was similar across age groups, as was the change in peak latencies and I–V interval across noise level. ABR parameters for the older adults with hearing meeting the 20-dB HL criterion at all frequencies (older-better) were compared to those who didn’t meet this criterion (olderworse). Mean wave I latency was greater and wave V latency and I–V interval were smaller for the older-worse group at all noise levels. Mean wave I and V amplitudes were similar for the older-better and older-worse groups. In participants with normal or near-normal hearing, ABR changes with increasing age included small latency increases and a substantial reduction in wave I amplitude. The effects of ipsilateral-direct masking noise on the click-evoked ABR are similar for young and older adults.

scholarly journals Human Auditory Brainstem Response to Temporal Gaps in Noise

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 737-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne A. Werner ◽  
Richard C. Folsom ◽  
Lisa R. Mancl ◽  
Connie L. Syapin
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Response ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Gap Detection ◽  
Detection Thresholds ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
High Pass

Gap detection is a commonly used measure of temporal resolution, although the mechanisms underlying gap detection are not well understood. To the extent that gap detection depends on processes within, or peripheral to, the auditory brainstem, one would predict that a measure of gap threshold based on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) would be similar to the psychophysical gap detection threshold. Three experiments were performed to examine the relationship between ABR gap threshold and gap detection. Thresholds for gaps in a broadband noise were measured in young adults with normal hearing, using both psychophysical techniques and electrophysiological techniques that use the ABR. The mean gap thresholds obtained with the two methods were very similar, although ABR gap thresholds tended to be lower than psychophysical gap thresholds. There was a modest correlation between psychophysical and ABR gap thresholds across participants. ABR and psychophysical thresholds for noise masked by temporally continuous, high-pass, or spectrally notched noise were measured in adults with normal hearing. Restricting the frequency range with masking led to poorer gap thresholds on both measures. High-pass maskers affected the ABR and psychophysical gap thresholds similarly. Notched-noise-masked ABR and psychophysical gap thresholds were very similar except that low-frequency, notched-noise-masked ABR gap threshold was much poorer at low levels. The ABR gap threshold was more sensitive to changes in signal-to-masker ratio than was the psychophysical gap detection threshold. ABR and psychophysical thresholds for gaps in broadband noise were measured in listeners with sensorineural hearing loss and in infants. On average, both ABR gap thresholds and psychophysical gap detection thresholds of listeners with hearing loss were worse than those of listeners with normal hearing, although individual differences were observed. Psychophysical gap detection thresholds of 3- and 6-month-old infants were an order of magnitude worse than those of adults with normal hearing, as previously reported; however, ABR gap thresholds of 3-month-old infants were no different from those of adults with normal hearing. These results suggest that ABR gap thresholds and psychophysical gap detection depend on at least some of the same mechanisms within the auditory system.

scholarly journals Cochlear Implant Microphone Location Affects Speech Recognition in Diffuse Noise

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (01) ◽  
pp. 051-058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R. Kolberg ◽  
Sterling W. Sheffield ◽  
Timothy J. Davis ◽  
Linsey W. Sunderhaus ◽  
René H. Gifford
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Stanford Research Institute ◽  
Noise Ratio ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
Diffuse Noise

Background: Despite improvements in cochlear implants (CIs), CI recipients continue to experience significant communicative difficulty in background noise. Many potential solutions have been proposed to help increase signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments, including signal processing and external accessories. To date, however, the effect of microphone location on speech recognition in noise has focused primarily on hearing aid users. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (1) measure physical output for the T-Mic as compared with the integrated behind-the-ear (BTE) processor mic for various source azimuths, and (2) to investigate the effect of CI processor mic location for speech recognition in semi-diffuse noise with speech originating from various source azimuths as encountered in everyday communicative environments. Research Design: A repeated-measures, within-participant design was used to compare performance across listening conditions. Study Sample: A total of 11 adults with Advanced Bionics CIs were recruited for this study. Data Collection and Analysis: Physical acoustic output was measured on a Knowles Experimental Mannequin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR) for the T-Mic and BTE mic, with broadband noise presented at 0 and 90° (directed toward the implant processor). In addition to physical acoustic measurements, we also assessed recognition of sentences constructed by researchers at Texas Instruments, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Stanford Research Institute (TIMIT sentences) at 60 dBA for speech source azimuths of 0, 90, and 270°. Sentences were presented in a semi-diffuse restaurant noise originating from the R-SPACE 8-loudspeaker array. Signal-to-noise ratio was determined individually to achieve approximately 50% correct in the unilateral implanted listening condition with speech at 0°. Performance was compared across the T-Mic, 50/50, and the integrated BTE processor mic. Results: The integrated BTE mic provided approximately 5 dB attenuation from 1500–4500 Hz for signals presented at 0° as compared with 90° (directed toward the processor). The T-Mic output was essentially equivalent for sources originating from 0 and 90°. Mic location also significantly affected sentence recognition as a function of source azimuth, with the T-Mic yielding the highest performance for speech originating from 0°. Conclusions: These results have clinical implications for (1) future implant processor design with respect to mic location, (2) mic settings for implant recipients, and (3) execution of advanced speech testing in the clinic.

Effect of Competition, Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Race, and Sex on Southern American English Dialect Talkers’ Sentence Recognition

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Stuart ◽  
Yolanda F. Holt ◽  
Alyssa N. Kerls ◽  
Madeline R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
American English ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
English Sentence ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Open Set ◽  
Noise Ratio

Background: Although numerous studies have examined regional and racial–ethnic labeling of talkeridentity, few have evaluated speech perception skills of listeners from the southern United States.Purpose: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of competition, signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), race, and sex on sentence recognition performance in talkers from the Southern American Englishdialect region.Research Design: A four-factor mixed-measures design was used.Study Sample: Forty-eight normal-hearing young African American and White adults participated.Data Collection and Analyses: The Perceptually Robust English Sentence Test Open-set was used inquiet and in continuous and interrupted noise and multitalker babble at SNRs of -10, -5, 0, and 5 dB.Results: Significant main effects of competition (p < 0.001) and SNR (p < 0.001) and a competition bySNR interaction were found (p < 0.001). Performance improved with increasing SNRs. Performance wasalso greater in the interrupted broadband noise at poorer SNRs, relative to the other competitors. Multitalkerbabble performance was significantly poorer than the continuous noise at the poorer SNRs. Therewas no effect of race or sex on performance in quiet or competition.Conclusions: Although African American English and White American English talkers living in the samegeographic region demonstrate differences in speech production, their speech perception in noise doesnot appear to differ under the conditions examined in this study.

The Bifrequency Binaural Interaction Component of the Auditory Brainstem Response

1989 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 767-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia G. Fowler
Keyword(s):  
Auditory Brainstem Response ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Frequency Separation ◽  
Binaural Interaction ◽  
Fused Image ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
The Right ◽  
Interaction Component

The binaural interaction component of the auditory brainstem response was investigated in three stimulus conditions, 1000-Hz tone pips to both ears, 3000-Hz tone pips to both ears, and 1000-Hz tone pips to the left ear and 3000-Hz tone pips to the right ear. A binaural interaction component was produced in all conditions in which the stimuli were presented in quiet and in broadband noise, suggesting that a frequency separation of 2000 Hz between ears can produce a fused image. Responses to the bifrequency stimuli in noise indicated the peak A of the binaural interaction component is not dependent solely on the slope of wave V because when the noise caused a dissociated binaural wave V, peak A was associated only with the trailing wave V.

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