Back to Search Start Over

How Does Deep Neural Network-Based Noise Reduction in Hearing Aids Impact Cochlear Implant Candidacy?

Authors :
Aniket A. Saoji
Bilal A. Sheikh
Natasha J. Bertsch
Kayla R. Goulson
Madison K. Graham
Elizabeth A. McDonald
Abigail E. Bross
Jonathan M. Vaisberg
Volker Kühnel
Solveig C. Voss
Jinyu Qian
Cynthia H. Hogan
Melissa D. DeJong
Source :
Audiology Research, Vol 14, Iss 6, Pp 1114-1125 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adult hearing-impaired patients qualifying for cochlear implants typically exhibit less than 60% sentence recognition under the best hearing aid conditions, either in quiet or noisy environments, with speech and noise presented through a single speaker. This study examines the influence of deep neural network-based (DNN-based) noise reduction on cochlear implant evaluation. Methods: Speech perception was assessed using AzBio sentences in both quiet and noisy conditions (multi-talker babble) at 5 and 10 dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) through one loudspeaker. Sentence recognition scores were measured for 10 hearing-impaired patients using three hearing aid programs: calm situation, speech in noise, and spheric speech in loud noise (DNN-based noise reduction). Speech perception results were compared to bench analyses comprising the phase inversion technique, employed to predict SNR improvement, and the Hearing-Aid Speech Perception Index (HASPI v2), utilized to predict speech intelligibility. Results: The spheric speech in loud noise program improved speech perception by 20 to 32% points as compared to the calm situation program. Thus, DNN-based noise reduction can improve speech perception in noisy environments, potentially reducing the need for cochlear implants in some cases. The phase inversion method showed a 4–5 dB SNR improvement for the DNN-based noise reduction program compared to the other two programs. HASPI v2 predicted slightly better speech intelligibility than was measured in this study. Conclusions: DNN-based noise reduction might make it difficult for some patients with significant residual hearing to qualify for cochlear implantation, potentially delaying its adoption or eliminating the need for it entirely.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20394349
Volume :
14
Issue :
6
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Audiology Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1c11ace4474541bea20f932ef48a9343
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres14060092