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Investigating the relationship between directional microphones, compression, and working memory in realistic spatial conditions

Award Number: K01DC018324
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

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Project summary Hearing aids have specialized features to improve access to sounds for the hearing-impaired listener. The choice of appropriate hearing aid settings is integral to the hearing rehabilitative process. Researchers and clinicians have been influenced by previous work showing that individual cognitive abilities, including working memory are associated with hearing aid benefit, especially in adverse listening conditions. However, previous research is limited to omnidirectional microphone settings and unrealistic listening conditions. Such conditions fail to recognize that most hearing aids are fit with directional processing that may improve the listening environment, and that typical environments contain speech and noise signals in a range of spatial locations. Therefore, the broad goal of this research is to understand how patient variables interact with hearing aid signal processing in realistic listening conditions in order to effectively treat hearing-impaired individuals in communications situations that are most important to them. The proposed work is in alignment with NIDCD's mission to conduct and support behavioral research and research training in interventions (i.e. hearing aids) that substitute for lost/impaired sensory and communication function (i.e., hearing loss). The specific aims examine the relationship between working memory and hearing aid signal processing (WDRC in the presence of microphone directionality) in spatial conditions ideal for directionality (Aim 1) and realistic spatial conditions (Aim 2). In a clinical trial, hearing-impaired listeners will use wearable hearing aids with different hearing aid processing settings (WDRC speeds, microphone directionality patterns and technology) and identify speech in different listening conditions (spatially varying speech and noise). Performance across conditions will be related to listeners' auditory abilities and working memory capacities using a mixed design. Existing acoustic metrics will be used to associate individual outcomes to overall signal fidelity across conditions. The K01 award will enable the PI to build upon her existing research and clinical experience with hearing aids and provide structured training in the following areas: a) focused research on the impact of microphone directionality on individual hearing aid outcomes in realistic spatial conditions, b) designing a clinical trial with wearable hearing aids, and c) advancing scientific communication skills. Research and training experience through this award will help the PI achieve her long-term goal of performing rigorous independent research in the individualized care of hearing-impaired adults. The proposed work will take place at Northwestern University under the mentorship of Dr. Pamela Souza and Dr. Richard Freyman.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = -$1,115 )
2024	2022	NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY	633 CLARK ST	EVANSTON	IL	60208	COOK	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	3	4/12/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$1,115
														Subtotal = -$1,115

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $100,913 )
2022	2022	NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY	633 CLARK	EVANSTON	IL	60208	COOK	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	3	11/23/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$100,913
														Subtotal = $100,913

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $100,913 )
2021	2021	NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY	633 CLARK	EVANSTON	IL	60208	COOK	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	2	11/23/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$100,913
														Subtotal = $100,913

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $100,913 )
2020	2020	NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY	633 CLARK	EVANSTON	IL	60208	COOK	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	11/22/2019	NEW	$100,913
														Subtotal = $100,913

Grand Total All Awards = $301,624

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Investigating the relationship between directional microphones, compression, and working memory in realistic spatial conditions

Award Number: K01DC018324

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

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