SBIR-STTR Award

A system for speech reception training configured around a small portable computer (laptop or notebook computer) will be developed. The system can be used for auditory training without visual cues, as well as for speech reading training with or without auditory cues. A novel, interactive method of speech reception training will be implemented that is designed to be entertaining as well as educational. Other design considerations include portability, ease of use and convenience in order to provide substantial amounts of practice at home or other convenient locations. Phase I will focus on adults with hearing loss who wish to improve their speech reception skills with either a portable or home-based system. Training material will be developed for this population followed by a pilot study. Phase II will extend the system to include adaptive training strategies and training material for deaf children and cochlear implant users over a wide age range

A common complaint by people with hearing loss is the great difficulty they experience in understanding speech in a noisy environment. Hearing aids, unfortunately, amplify both speech and background noise. It is possible to improve speech understanding in noise to some extent by honing one's listening skills. A self-guiding training system will be developed to help hearing-aid users improve their ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise. Modern technology will be used, such as a relatively inexpensive personal computer, or an even less expensive DVD player, to develop a system that is convenient, entertaining and easy to use. The intent is to develop a system that will be widely used, thereby improving the quality of life for substantial numbers of people with hearing loss. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Audio-visual training materials will be developed for a self-guiding training program to help hearing-aid users improve their speech reception skills in a noisy environment. Three experiments will be performed to evaluate the training system. The first experiment will evaluate a computer-based version of the system. The improvement in speech reception in noise will be measured for both new and experienced users of hearing aids after a 6-week training period. The second experiment will evaluate two DVD-based versions of the training program. The third experiment will evaluate the training system using audition only.

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