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Binaural consequences of speech envelope enhancement
Lucas S Baltzell1, Daniel Cardosi1, Jayaganesh Swaminathan1
1Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA lbaltzel@bu.edu, dcardosi@bu.edu, jswamy@bu.edu, ginbest@bu.edu.
Two speech enhancement strategies were tested for their impact on hearing. While effects varied by word, some specific impacts on sound localization were noted in individuals with normal hearing and hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Speech processing
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Envelope-based speech enhancement strategies aim to improve speech intelligibility.
- Binaural hearing relies on interaural time differences (ITDs) for sound localization.
- The impact of speech enhancement on binaural hearing, particularly ITD sensitivity, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binaural consequences of broadband compression and expansion speech enhancement strategies.
- To assess the effects of these strategies on sensitivity to interaural time differences (ITDs).
- To compare these effects in listeners with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Four single-word stimuli were used to measure sensitivity to ITDs.
- Listeners with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study.
- Two envelope-based speech enhancement strategies (compression and expansion) were applied to the stimuli.
Main Results:
- No consistent effects of compression or expansion were observed across all tested words.
- Word-specific effects of the enhancement strategies on ITD sensitivity were noted.
- Variability in results suggests a complex interaction between enhancement type, stimulus, and listener condition.
Conclusions:
- Envelope-based speech enhancement strategies may have variable effects on binaural hearing.
- The observed word-specific effects warrant further research into the underlying mechanisms.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for developing effective hearing technologies for individuals with hearing loss.
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