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NOISE REDUCTION FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Award Number: R44DC007034
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/06/2004
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2008

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NOISE REDUCTION FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS - DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project is aimed at developing noise reduction algorithms for improving the intelligibility of speech for cochlear implant users. Phase 1 work showed that using directional microphone arrays in conjunction with dual-channel noise reduction algorithms improves speech reception in noise for cochlear implant users. The proposed Phase 2 work will expand the scope to include noise reduction techniques at every possible point in the cochlear implant acoustic pick-up and signal processing chain. The work considers single and dual microphone arrays, single- or dual-channel preprocessing algorithms, and novel within-channel compressor- control algorithms. Each of these approaches will be studied using methods that range from computer simulations and automatic intelligibility prediction, for rapid system assessments, to speech-reception testing and listening-quality ratings by cochlear implant users with portable real-time signal processing for formal evaluations. Acoustic test environments (simulated or actual) will be realistic with respect to the degree of reverberation, and the number and stationarity of interference sources. A final comprehensive study will evaluate the contributions of optimized signal-processing algorithms in conjunction with four different microphone-array configurations. The results of this work will quantify the benefits of optimized noise reduction options for cochlear implant users. The most promising algorithms will be developed in Phase 3 work through contractual agreements with commercial partners. Cochlear implants are the only viable procedure for restoring a sense of hearing to profoundly deafened individuals. Progress in cochlear implants has increased to the point where many recipients can understand speech in quiet without the aid of lip-reading; however, susceptibility to background noise continues to be much worse for recipients than for normal hearing listeners. The goal of this project is to develop noise reduction systems to improve speech reception for cochlear implant users in the presence of background noise.


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: 2007 ( Subtotal = $380,074 )
2007	2007	SENSIMETRICS CORPORATION	48 GROVE STREET, SUITE 305	SOMERVILLE	MA	02144	MIDDLESEX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	3	6/29/2007	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$380,074
														Subtotal = $380,074

Issue Date FY: 2006 ( Subtotal = $411,292 )
2006	2006	SENSIMETRICS CORPORATION	48 GROVE STREET, SUITE 305	SOMERVILLE	MA	02144	MIDDLESEX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	2	8/8/2006	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$411,292
														Subtotal = $411,292

Grand Total All Awards = $791,366

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NOISE REDUCTION FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Award Number: R44DC007034

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/06/2004

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2008

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