scholarly journals Acoustic startle reactions, activity, and background noise intensity, before and after lesions of medial cortex in the rat

1978 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Ison ◽  
Laura Silverstein
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Noise Intensity ◽  
Acoustic Startle ◽  
Medial Cortex ◽  
Before And After

Use of a Mild-Gain Hearing Aid by Middle-Age Normal-Hearing Adults Who Do and Do Not Self-Report Trouble Hearing in Background Noise

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-428
Author(s):  
Jasleen Singh ◽  
Karen A. Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hearing Problems

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess how the use of a mild-gain hearing aid can affect hearing handicap, motivation, and attitudes toward hearing aids for middle-age, normal-hearing adults who do and do not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Method A total of 20 participants (45–60 years of age) with clinically normal-hearing thresholds (< 25 dB HL) were enrolled in this study. Ten self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise, and 10 did not self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. All participants were fit with mild-gain hearing aids, bilaterally, and were asked to wear them for 2 weeks. Hearing handicap, attitudes toward hearing aids and hearing loss, and motivation to address hearing problems were evaluated before and after participants wore the hearing aids. Participants were also asked if they would consider purchasing a hearing aid before and after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Results After wearing the hearing aids for 2 weeks, hearing handicap scores decreased for the participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise. No changes in hearing handicap scores were observed for the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. The participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise also reported greater personal distress from their hearing problems, were more motivated to address their hearing problems, and had higher levels of hearing handicap compared to the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Only 20% (2/10) of the participants who self-reported trouble hearing in background noise reported that they would consider purchasing a hearing aid after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Conclusions The use of mild-gain hearing aids has the potential to reduce hearing handicap for normal-hearing, middle-age adults who self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. However, this may not be the most appropriate treatment option for their current hearing problems given that only 20% of these participants would consider purchasing a hearing aid after wearing hearing aids for 2 weeks.

Speech in noise testing before and after grommet insertion

2012 ◽  
Vol 126 (10) ◽  
pp. 1010-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Possamai ◽  
G Kirk ◽  
A Scott ◽  
D Skinner
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Noise Signal ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Noise Ratio

AbstractObjectives:To assess the feasibility of designing and implementing a speech in noise test in children before and after grommet insertion, and to analyse the results of such a test in a small group of children.Methods:Twelve children aged six to nine years who were scheduled to undergo grommet insertion were identified. They underwent speech in noise testing before and after grommet insertion. This testing used Arthur Boothroyd word lists read at 60 dB in four listening conditions presented in a sound field: firstly in quiet conditions, then in signal to noise ratios of +10 (50 dB background noise), 0 (60 dB) and −10 (70 dB).Results:Mean phoneme scores were: in quiet conditions, 28.1 pre- and 30 post-operatively (p = 0.04); in 50 dB background noise (signal to noise ratio +10), 24.2 pre- and 29 post-operatively (p < 0.01); in 60 dB background noise (signal to noise ratio 0), 22.6 pre- and 27.5 post-operatively (p = 0.06); and in 70 dB background noise (signal to noise ratio −10), 13.9 pre- and 21 post-operatively (p = 0.05).Conclusion:This small study suggests that speech in noise testing is feasible in this scenario. Our small group of children demonstrated a significant improvement in speech in noise scores following grommet insertion. This is likely to translate into a significant advantage in the educational environment.

Effect of Noise and Nonlinearities on Thermoacoustics of Can-Annular Combustors

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ghirardo ◽  
J. P. Moeck ◽  
M. R. Bothien
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Noise Intensity ◽  
Stochastic Simulations ◽  
Linear Regime ◽  
Good Match ◽  
Mode Localization ◽  
Nonlinear Solution ◽  
Turbine Inlet ◽  
Flame Response ◽  
Linearized System

Abstract Can-annular combustors consist of N distinct cans setup symmetrically around the axis of the gas turbine. Each can is connected to the turbine inlet by means of a transition duct. At the turbine inlet, a small gap between the neighboring transition ducts allows acoustic communication between the cans. Thermoacoustic pulsations in the cans are driven by the respective flames, but also the communication between neighboring cans through the gap plays a significant role. In this study, we focus on the effect of the background noise intensity and of the nonlinear flame saturation. We predict how usually clusters of thermoacoustic modes are unstable in the linear regime and compete with each other in the nonlinear regime, each cluster consisting of axial, azimuthal and push-pull modes. Since linear theory cannot predict the nonlinear solution, stochastic simulations are run to study the nonlinear solution in a probabilistic sense. One outcome of these simulations is the various pulsation patterns, which are in principle different from one can to the next. We recover how not only a stronger flame response in one can gives rise to the phenomenon of mode localization, but also how the nonlinearity of the flame saturation and the competition between modes have an effect on the nonlinear mode shape. We finally predict the coherence and phase between cans on the linearized system subject to noise, and compare the predictions with engine measurements, in terms of spectra of amplitude in each can and coherence and phase, observing a good match.

Put-Up Or Shut-Up? Habituation to Speech and Office Noise

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 514-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon P. Banbury ◽  
Dianne C. Berry
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Habituation Period ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Exposure Experiment ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Noise Experiment

This paper examines one of the most bothersome aspects of open-plan offices—the effect of background noise. Since office workers spend a considerable amount of time in these environments, the paper examines whether background noise can be habituated to in the laboratory using memory for prose tasks, presented before and after a habituation period. This paper reports two experiments that examined whether speech and office noise can be habituated to after prolonged exposure. Experiment 1 showed that meaning and repetition had no effect on the significant habituation effects seen after 20 minutes exposure to the noise. Experiment 2 found that office noise without speech can also be habituated to after prolonged exposure. These results are interpreted in the light of current research on the effects of background noise and habituation, and practical implications for office planning are discussed.

Effects of Spectrum, Background Noise, and Stimulation Rate on the Auditory Startle Reflex in Hyperbilirubinemic Rats

1985 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
Martin L. Lenhardt
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Acoustic Startle ◽  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Presentation Rate ◽  
Stimulus Presentation ◽  
Startle Reflex ◽  
Acoustic Startle Reflex ◽  
Neonatal Rats ◽  
Testing Period ◽  
Sensory Element

The sensory element of the acoustic startle reflex was studied in neonatal rats. Stimulus frequency, background noise, and stimulus presentation rate all affected the reflex. The performance of jaundiced rats with central auditory pathology is initially poorer than that of nonjaundiced rats but rapidly improves to the level of the controls, suggesting that the jaundiced rats may be a model for central auditory disturbances in humans. Startle reflex measurements give no indication that jaundiced rats surviving the testing period had neural hearing loss.

Enhancement of Electrolaryngeal Speech by Adaptive Filtering

1998 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1253-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Y. Espy-Wilson ◽  
Venkatesh R. Chari ◽  
Joel M. MacAuslan ◽  
Caroline B. Huang ◽  
Michael J. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Filtering ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Electronic Communication ◽  
Acoustic Energy ◽  
Background Signal ◽  
Acoustic Characteristics ◽  
Artificial Larynx ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Adequate Communication ◽  
Normal Speech

Artificial larynges provide a means of verbal communication for people who have either lost or are otherwise unable to use their larynges. Although they enable adequate communication, the resulting speech has an unnatural quality and is significantly less intelligible than normal speech. One of the major problems with the widely used Transcutaneous Artificial Larynx (TAL) is the presence of a steady background noise caused by the leakage of acoustic energy from the TAL, its interface with the neck, and the surrounding neck tissue. The severity of the problem varies from speaker to speaker, partly depending upon the characteristics of the individual's neck tissue. The present study tests the hypothesis that TAL speech is enhanced in quality (as assessed through listener preference judgments) and intelligibility by removal of the inherent, directly radiated background signal. In particular, the focus is on the improvement of speech over the telephone or through some other electronic communication medium. A novel adaptive filtering architecture was designed and implemented to remove the background noise. Perceptual tests were conducted to assess speech, from two individuals with a laryngectomy and two normal speakers using the Servox TAL, before and after processing by the adaptive filter. A spectral analysis of the adaptively filtered TAL speech revealed a significant reduction in the amount of background source radiation yet preserved the acoustic characteristics of the vocal output. Results from the perceptual tests indicate a clear preference for the processed speech. In general, there was no significant improvement or degradation in intelligibility. However, the processing did improve the intelligibility of word-initial non-nasal consonants.

scholarly journals GAMBARAN FAKTOR RISIKO TEKANAN DARAH SISTOLIK PADA PEKERJA TAMBANG BATU KAPUR DI KLAPANUNGGAL, BOGOR, JAWA BARAT

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
ANNISA WARDA IRVANI
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Noise Intensity ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Smoking Habits ◽  
Patient Death ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Average Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Before And After

Hypertension is a disease that often lead to patient death as it does not have specific symptoms. The high prevalence in Bogor Regency caused by minimal health facilities, so there was no guarantee of occupational health for workers and the workers lack of knowledge. Objective: To determine the risk factors that affected systolic blood pressure in limestone miners in Klapanunggal. Method: Uses observational analytic study with cross sectional design with a total of 47 people. Result: The measurement of noise intensity are 83.2 dB on a breaker and 91.7 dB on a stone crusher. The average systolic blood pressure before and after work was 110.28 mmHg and 126.23 mmHg. The results of one-way ANOVA test, a correlation between noise intensity, working period, prolonged exposure, and smoking habits with systolic blood pressure with p=0.001 was obtained. According to dummy regression test, noise intensity were the most influential. Workers exposed to noise with an intensity normal had an average increase 10.45 mmHg, while those exposed to an intensity abnormal 22.27 mmHg. Conclusion: Noise intensity, working period, prolonged exposure, and smoking habits affect systolic blood pressure and the most influential factor was noise intensity.

Evaluation Method for Complex Electromagnetic Environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 891-897
Author(s):  
Yan Li ◽  
Yigang He ◽  
Baiqiang Yin ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Noise Intensity ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Electromagnetic Environment ◽  
Environmental Complexity ◽  
Training Time ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
S Transform ◽  
Fast Convergence Rate ◽  
Learning Machine

To perform a complexity evaluation for an electromagnetic environment (EME), a new method based on the S-transform is proposed, which can simultaneously count the time occupancy, frequency occupancy, and energy occupancy in the time–frequency domain. The frequency coincidence, modulation similarity, and background noise intensity are selected as important evaluation indices, and their physical interpretations are analyzed and calculated. The Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) method is adopted to evaluate the environmental complexity. The proposed method (S-ELM) requires less training time and has a fast convergence rate. The simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed method is accurate and efficient.

scholarly journals Modulation of Auditory Signal-to-Noise Ratios by Efferent Stimulation

2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 3562-3570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth M. Tomchik ◽  
Zhongmin Lu
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Auditory System ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Auditory Signal ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Masking Noise ◽  
Auditory Efferent

One of the primary challenges that sensory systems face is extracting relevant information from background noise. In the auditory system, the ear receives efferent feedback, which may help it extract signals from noise. Here we directly test the hypothesis that efferent activity increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the ear, using the relatively simple teleost ear. Tone-evoked saccular potentials were recorded before and after efferent stimulation, and the SNR of the responses was calculated. In quiet conditions, efferent stimulation suppressed saccular responses to a tone, reducing the SNR. However, when masking noise was added, efferent stimulation increased the SNR of the saccular responses within a range of stimulus combinations. These data demonstrate that auditory efferent feedback can increase SNR in conditions where a signal is masked by noise, thereby enhancing the encoding of signals in noise. Efferent feedback thus performs a fundamental signal processing function, helping the animal to hear sounds in difficult listening conditions.

Spatial Receptive Fields of Primary Auditory Cortical Neurons in Quiet and in the Presence of Continuous Background Noise

1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 2417-2432 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Brugge ◽  
Richard A. Reale ◽  
Joseph E. Hind
Keyword(s):  
Receptive Field ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Noise Intensity ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Spatial Gradients ◽  
Firing Strength ◽  
Continuous Background ◽  
Acoustic Space

Brugge, John F., Richard A. Reale, and Joseph E. Hind. Spatial receptive fields of primary auditory cortical neurons in quiet and in the presence of continuous background noise. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 2417–2432, 1998. Spatial receptive fields of primary auditory (AI) neurons were studied by delivering, binaurally, synthesized virtual-space signals via earphones to cats under barbiturate anesthesia. Signals were broadband or narrowband transients presented in quiet anechoic space or in acoustic space filled with uncorrelated continuous broadband noise. In the absence of background noise, AI virtual space receptive fields (VSRFs) are typically large, representing a quadrant or more of acoustic space. Within the receptive field, onset latency and firing strength form functional gradients. We hypothesized earlier that functional gradients in the receptive field provide information about sound-source direction. Previous studies indicated that spatial gradients could remain relatively constant across changes in signal intensity. In the current experiments we tested the hypothesis that directional sensitivity to a transient signal, as reflected in the gradient structure of VSRFs of AI neurons, is also retained in the presence of a continuous background noise. When background noise was introduced three major affects on VSRFs were observed. 1) The size of the VSRF was reduced, accompanied by a reduction of firing strength and lengthening of response latency for signals at an acoustic axis and on-lines of constant azimuth and elevation passing through the acoustic axis. These effects were monotonically related to the intensity of the background noise over a noise intensity range of∼30 dB. 2) The noise intensity-dependent changes in VSRFs were mirrored by the changes that occurred when the signal intensity was changed in signal-alone conditions. Thus adding background noise was equivalent to a shift in the threshold of a directional signal, and this shift was seen across the spatial receptive field. 3) The spatial gradients of response strength and latency remained evident over the range of background noise intensity that reduced spike count and lengthened onset latency. Those gradients along the azimuth that spanned the frontal midline tended to remain constant in slope and position in the face of increasing intensity of background noise. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that, under background noise conditions, information that underlies directional acuity and accuracy is retained within the spatial receptive fields of an ensemble of AI neurons.

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