# Speech Perception Enhancement Using Novel Signal Processing in Bimodal Hearing

> **NIH NIH R15** · BAYLOR UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $431,863

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Speech perception for those who use cochlear implants (CIs) in combination with hearing aids (HAs) in opposite
ears (i.e., bimodal hearing) varies greatly. This variability depends on the users’ ability to process frequency and
time information critical for speech perception. By identifying and enhancing this acoustic information, speech
perception will significantly improve. In this AREA project, we aim to establish and verify a tailored identification
scheme for the spectral and temporal cues responsible for consonant recognition. Our recent bimodal study
shows that some frequency ranges and time segments of consonants are critical for consonant enhancement
(called “target frequency or time ranges”) while other frequency and time ranges cause consonant confusions
(called “conflicting frequency or time ranges”). Our Articulation Index-Gram (AI-Gram) signal processing can add
and suppress intensity on these target and conflicting ranges. In Aim 1, we will determine the effect of the dead
regions on consonant recognition. Target and conflicting ranges will then be identified on an individual subject
basis for each consonant in the HA alone, CI alone, and CI+HA in quiet. The target frequency range will be
determined by finding the frequency regions creating dramatic consonant enhancement, while the conflicting
frequency ranges will be determined by finding the frequency regions creating consonant confusion. The target
time ranges will be determined by finding the segment of the consonants responsible for dramatic consonant
improvement while systematically truncating the consonant. The target time range will be used as the conflicting
time ranges because the conflicting frequency ranges would be the most detrimental factor affecting the target
frequency ranges if they coincide in time. In Aim 2, consonant recognition will be measured in quiet and noise
under the three AI-Gram processing conditions: 1) target ranges alone with +6 dB gain; 2) conflicting ranges
alone with -6 dB suppression; and 3) both intensified target and suppressed conflicting ranges. For each AI-
Gram processing condition, consonant recognition will be measured in the matched listening conditions (e.g.,
the target or conflicting ranges identified in the HA alone will be presented in the HA alone listening condition).
To determine how the unilateral detection ability affects bimodal benefit, the consonants processed on the target
or conflicting ranges identified in the HA alone and CI alone will each be presented to the CI+HA listening
condition. This proposed work will identify acoustic cues that contribute to bimodal benefit and will reveal how
these cues are integrated or interfered with across modalities. Defining the relative impact of the target and
conflicting ranges on the AI-Gram-sensitive consonants in the HA alone, the CI alone, and the CI+HA together
will help determine the upper and lower cutoff frequencies of a HA and a CI and fine-tune these...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10291578
- **Project number:** 1R15DC019240-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yang-Soo Yoon
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $431,863
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10291578

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10291578, Speech Perception Enhancement Using Novel Signal Processing in Bimodal Hearing (1R15DC019240-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10291578. Licensed CC0.

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