Updated: February 24, 2006

Investigators:

Dragana Barac-Cikoja, Ph.D.
Cara Adornetto, Au.D.
Leslie Klein

Purpose of this study:

The purpose of this project is (1) to develop objective methods for self-hearing assessments and (2) to examine the need for the alternative fittings based on the assessment data.

Project Description:

The proposed research projects will be carried out in two stages. In Stage 1, methods for assessing sensation level for self-produced speech, and for examining sensitivity to delay, and loudness change in speech feedback will be developed. Technological advances have made complex sound manipulations achievable in real-time. Specific temporal and intensity alterations of speech feedback can be implemented in a reliable and efficient manner, and individual sensitivity to such alterations measured using a traditional psychophysical approach. The methods, if proved efficient in differentiating speakers' self-hearing needs, could be adapted for clinical use. Stage 2 consists of seven experiments. In experiments 1-3, the effects of several factors related to residual hearing, HT, and background noise on the audibility of self- versus other-produced speech will be investigated. In experiment 4, the perception of relative loudness of one’s own vocalization will be studied. In experiments 5-7, the salience of speech feedback delay will be examined. Based on the findings, preliminary recommendations regarding speech self-monitoring needs in people with hearing loss will be prepared.

Project Progress:

The software that was previously developed for the adaptive testing of speaker/listener’s sensitivity to delay in speech feedback has been adjusted for use in the binaural delay detection study and tests of its reliability have been successfully completed. Adjustments to the subject-computer interface for testing relative loudness perception have also been made, and the results of the preliminary piloting of the procedures were satisfactory. The next phase of the study with hearing aid users and cochlear implant recipients will be forthcoming.

Recent publications or presentations:

Barac-Cikoja, D., Cole, K., & Klein, L. Investigating self-hearing with psychoacoustic methods. The 5^th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands, August 2005.

Barac-Cikoja, D. & Klein, L. (2005). The effects of auditory feedback alterations on the speech quality of hearing aid and cochlear implant users. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 117, 2606.

Barac-Cikoja, D. (2004). Effects of temporal and spectral alterations of speech feedback on speech production by persons with hearing loss. Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, 130, 598-603.

Barac-Cikoja, D., Adornetto, C., Kozma-Spytek, L. and Faison, N. Sensitivity to delayed auditory feedback in speakers with severe-profound hearing loss. Poster presented at the International Hearing Aid Research Conference (IHCON), Lake Tahoe, CA, August 2004.

Barac-Cikoja, D. Speech Production after Cochlear Implantation: The Role of Self-Monitoring. The 9th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children, Baltimore, MD, April 2003.

Barac-Cikoja, D., & Johnson, C. The role of low-frequency hearing in speakers' sensitivity to delayed auditory feedback. 147th ASA Meeting, New York , NY, May 24, 2004.

For more information, contact: Dragana Barac-Cikoja, Ph.D.