Factors Influencing Individual Variation in Perceptual Directional Microphone Benefit

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 955-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gitte Keidser ◽  
Harvey Dillon ◽  
Elizabeth Convery ◽  
Jorge Mejia
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Directional Benefit

Background: Large variations in perceptual directional microphone benefit, which far exceed the variation expected from physical performance measures of directional microphones, have been reported in the literature. The cause for the individual variation has not been systematically investigated. Purpose: To determine the factors that are responsible for the individual variation in reported perceptual directional benefit. Research Design: A correlational study. Physical performance measures of the directional microphones obtained after they had been fitted to individuals, cognitive abilities of individuals, and measurement errors were related to perceptual directional benefit scores. Study Sample: Fifty-nine hearing-impaired adults with varied degrees of hearing loss participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis: All participants were bilaterally fitted with a Motion behind-the-ear device (500 M, 501 SX, or 501 P) from Siemens according to the National Acoustic Laboratories' non-linear prescription, version two (NAL-NL2). Using the Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) sentences, the perceptual directional benefit was obtained as the difference in speech reception threshold measured in babble noise (SRTn) with the devices in directional (fixed hypercardioid) and in omnidirectional mode. The SRTn measurements were repeated three times with each microphone mode. Physical performance measures of the directional microphone included the angle of the microphone ports to loudspeaker axis, the frequency range dominated by amplified sound, the in situ signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the in situ three-dimensional, articulation-index weighted directivity index (3D AI-DI). The cognitive tests included auditory selective attention, speed of processing, and working memory. Intraparticipant variation on the repeated SRTn's and the interparticipant variation on the average SRTn were used to determine the effect of measurement error. A multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect of other factors. Results: Measurement errors explained 52% of the variation in perceptual directional microphone benefit (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34–78%), while another 37% of variation was explained primarily by the physical performance of the directional microphones after they were fitted to individuals. The most contributing factor was the in situ 3D AI-DI measured across the low frequencies. Conclusions: Repeated SRTn measurements are needed to obtain a reliable indication of the perceptual directional benefit in an individual. Further, to obtain optimum benefit from directional microphones, the effectiveness of the microphones should be maximized across the low frequencies.

Effect of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Directional Microphone Benefit and Preference

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (09) ◽  
pp. 662-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian E. Walden ◽  
Rauna K. Surr ◽  
Kenneth W. Grant ◽  
W. Van Summers ◽  
Mary T. Cord ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Directional Hearing Aids

This study examined speech intelligibility and preferences for omnidirectional and directional microphone hearing aid processing across a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A primary motivation for the study was to determine whether SNR might be used to represent distance between talker and listener in automatic directionality algorithms based on scene analysis. Participants were current hearing aid users who either had experience with omnidirectional microphone hearing aids only or with manually switchable omnidirectional/directional hearing aids. Using IEEE/Harvard sentences from a front loudspeaker and speech-shaped noise from three loudspeakers located behind and to the sides of the listener, the directional advantage (DA) was obtained at 11 SNRs ranging from -15 dB to +15 dB in 3 dB steps. Preferences for the two microphone modes at each of the 11 SNRs were also obtained using concatenated IEEE sentences presented in the speech-shaped noise. Results revealed that a DA was observed across a broad range of SNRs, although directional processing provided the greatest benefit within a narrower range of SNRs. Mean data suggested that microphone preferences were determined largely by the DA, such that the greater the benefit to speech intelligibility provided by the directional microphones, the more likely the listeners were to prefer that processing mode. However, inspection of the individual data revealed that highly predictive relationships did not exist for most individual participants. Few preferences for omnidirectional processing were observed. Overall, the results did not support the use of SNR to estimate the effects of distance between talker and listener in automatic directionality algorithms.

Directional Benefit Is Present with Audiovisual Stimuli: Limiting Ceiling Effects

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (07) ◽  
pp. 666-675
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Aspell ◽  
Erin Picou ◽  
Todd Ricketts
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Audiovisual Stimuli ◽  
Linear Contrast ◽  
Directional Benefit

Background: Past research demonstrates that as the speech recognition performance of listeners fitted with omnidirectional hearing aids approaches maximum (ceiling), the benefit afforded by directional microphones is necessarily lessened. This effect could potentially eliminate the benefit provided by directional microphones in easier listening situations, such as environments with visual cues and favorable signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate directional benefit using auditory-visual stimuli in SNRs commonly found in the real world (ranging from +3 to +12 dB). In order to maximize the possibility of directional benefit, a bilateral beamformer was used, which functions as a highly directional microphone. Research Design: Sentence recognition was evaluated in three SNRs and in two levels of reverberation (low and moderate). For each SNR and reverberation combination, sentence recognition was evaluated using omnidirectional and bilateral beamformer microphone modes. Study Sample: A total of 15 adults with hearing loss participated. Only listeners who had significant difficulty understanding speech in noise were included. Data Collection and Analysis: Sentence recognition scores were evaluated using analysis of variance with three within-participant variables (SNR, reverb, microphone mode). Follow-up analyses were conducted using linear contrast while controlling for family-wise error rate. Results: Results revealed significant bilateral beamformer benefit ranging from approximately 22–30 rationalized arcsine units (˜20–28 percentage points) in both low and moderate reverberation across all tested SNRs (+3 to +12 dB). Conclusions: These results provide support for the use of bilateral beamformers, even at relatively favorable SNRs and in the presence of visual cues, for listeners who demonstrate poor sentence recognition in noise.

Determination of Acoustical Impedance of Absorbing Surfaces by Two-Microphone Transfer Function Techniques: Geometrical and Measurement Errors

1996 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.C. Waddington ◽  
T.E. Vigran ◽  
R.J. Orlowski
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Function ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Function Technique ◽  
Finite Sample ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Integral Number ◽  
Minimum Dimension ◽  
Experimental Geometry

In the second of a series of papers on the measurement of acoustical impedance of absorbing surfaces in-situ, geometrical and measurement errors for the two microphone transfer function technique are detailed. The effects of finite sample area on the impedance measured are considered, and experimental results show that for edge effects to be negligible, the minimum dimension of a sample should be two wavelengths. The method also becomes inaccurate when the transfer function tends to unity. This is shown to occur at low frequencies, but more importantly, at higher frequencies when an integral number of half wavelengths exists between the path length differences to the microphones. The results of the error analysis show that great care should be taken in determining the precise locations of the microphones. In particular, care should be taken in the alignment of the microphones with respect to the normal to the sample, since errors due to the alignment of the probe combine features of errors not only in the microphone positions, but also in the source location and the angle of sound incidence. In comparison with typical errors in the experimental geometry, errors due to the precision of typical transfer function estimates are very small.

Intra-individual variation in adults and children: measuring and conceptualizing individual dialect–standard repertoires

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (s2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irmtraud Kaiser ◽  
Andrea Ender
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Standard Language ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
Standard Spectrum ◽  
Speech Data ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
The One ◽  
The Individual

Abstract This paper explores intra-individual variation as a manifestation of language-internal multilingualism in the Central-Bavarian Austrian context. Based on speech data from children and adults in different contexts, we discuss different methods of measuring and analyzing inter-situational variation along the dialect and standard language spectrum. By contrasting measures of dialectality, on the one hand, and proportions of turns in dialect, standard language or intermediate/mixed forms on the other, we gain complementary insights not only into the individual dialect-standard repertoires but also into the consequences of different methodological choices. The results indicate that intra-individual variation is ubiquitous in adults and children and that individual repertoires need to be taken into account from the beginning of the language acquisition process. We suggest that while intra-individual variation can be attested through the use of various methods, the revealed level of granularity and the conclusions that can be drawn as to the individual repertoires on the dialect-standard spectrum largely depend on the measures used and their inherent assumptions and intrinsically necessary categorizations.

Errors of In Situ Illuminance Measurements

2016 ◽  
Vol 824 ◽  
pp. 676-683
Author(s):  
Michaela Hlásková ◽  
Lenka Gábrová ◽  
František Vajkay
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Lighting Design ◽  
Public Health Authority ◽  
Construction Work ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Artificial Lighting ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Overcast Sky

Lighting conditions in buildings are verified by experts on a daily basis. Such verifications may be done at several phases in various ways. In the field of daylighting, it is common to make an assessment within the pre-design and in-design phases of a construction work throughout calculations, only rarely by measurements. This approach is the opposite of artificial lighting design, which is done within the in-design phase by calculations and is verified by measurements in post-realization phase. The verification of artificial lighting design is required by the building and public health authority otherwise buildings cannot be approved to use. In the field of daylighting, measurements could be performed as well, nevertheless those are often problematic because regulations usually require fulfilments of the daylight factor which can be determined only under CIE overcast sky. Howbeit, both artificial lighting and daylighting measurements are influenced by many errors, e.g. errors of light measurement instruments, measurement conditions, measurement methods and human factor. The paper is focused on this aspect of lighting design, more specifically on the daylighting measurement errors.

scholarly journals Selected In Situ Hybridization Methods: Principles and Application

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3874
Author(s):  
Dominika Veselinyová ◽  
Jana Mašlanková ◽  
Katarina Kalinová ◽  
Helena Mičková ◽  
Mária Mareková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Rapid Progress ◽  
In Situ Techniques ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
The Individual

We are experiencing rapid progress in all types of imaging techniques used in the detection of various numbers and types of mutation. In situ hybridization (ISH) is the primary technique for the discovery of mutation agents, which are presented in a variety of cells. The ability of DNA to complementary bind is one of the main principles in every method used in ISH. From the first use of in situ techniques, scientists paid attention to the improvement of the probe design and detection, to enhance the fluorescent signal intensity and inhibition of cross-hybrid presence. This article discusses the individual types and modifications, and is focused on explaining the principles and limitations of ISH division on different types of probes. The article describes a design of probes for individual types of in situ hybridization (ISH), as well as the gradual combination of several laboratory procedures to achieve the highest possible sensitivity and to prevent undesirable events accompanying hybridization. The article also informs about applications of the methodology, in practice and in research, to detect cell to cell communication and principles of gene silencing, process of oncogenesis, and many other unknown processes taking place in organisms at the DNA/RNA level.

Performance of Directional Microphone Hearing Aids in Everyday Life

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (06) ◽  
pp. 295-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary T. Cord ◽  
Rauna K. Surr ◽  
Brian E. Walden ◽  
Laurel Olson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Directional Hearing Aids

This study explored the use patterns and benefits of directional microphone technology in real world situations experienced by patients who had been fitted with switchable omnidirectional/directional hearing aids. Telephone interviews and paper-and-pencil questionnaires were used to assess perceived performance with each microphone type in a variety of listening situations. Patients who used their hearing aids regularly and switched between the two microphone configurations reported using the directional mode, on average, about one-quarter of the time. From brief descriptions, patients could identify listening situations in which each microphone mode should provide superior performance. Further, they reported encountering listening situations in which an omnidirectional microphone should provide better performance more frequently than listening situations in which the directional microphones should be superior. Despite using the omnidirectional mode more often and encountering situations in which an omnidirectional microphone should provide superior performance more frequently, participants reported the same level of satisfaction with each microphone type.

Low Wave Number Radar Image Energy Influence on Determining Current

2012 ◽  
Vol 433-440 ◽  
pp. 6054-6059
Author(s):  
Gan Nan Yuan ◽  
Rui Cai Jia ◽  
Yun Tao Dai ◽  
Ying Li
Keyword(s):  
Wave Spectrum ◽  
Surface Current ◽  
Sea Surface ◽  
Radar Image ◽  
Wave Number ◽  
Sea State ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
In Situ Data ◽  
Main Effects

In the radar imaging mechanism different phenomena are present, as a result the radar image is not a direct representation of the sea state. In analyzing radar image spectra, it can be realized that all of these phenomena produce distortions in the wave spectrum. The main effects are more energy for very low frequencies. This work investigates the structure of the sea clutter spectrum, and analysis the low wave number energy influence on determining sea surface current. Then the radar measure current is validated by experiments. By comparing with the in situ data, we know that the radar results reversed by image spectrum without low wave number spectrum have high precision. The low wave number energy influent determining current seriously.

scholarly journals Structural and Acoustic Responses of a Submerged Stiffened Conical Shell

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meixia Chen ◽  
Cong Zhang ◽  
Xiangfan Tao ◽  
Naiqi Deng
Keyword(s):  
Conical Shell ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Superposition Method ◽  
Far Field ◽  
Fluid Loading ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Structural Responses ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Field Sound

This paper studies the vibrational behavior and far-field sound radiation of a submerged stiffened conical shell at low frequencies. The solution for the dynamic response of the conical shell is presented in the form of a power series. A smeared approach is used to model the ring stiffeners. Fluid loading is taken into account by dividing the conical shell into narrow strips which are considered to be local cylindrical shells. The far-field sound pressure is solved by the Element Radiation Superposition Method. Excitations in two directions are considered to simulate the loading on the surface of the conical shell. These excitations are applied along the generator and normal to the surface of the conical shell. The contributions from the individual circumferential modes on the structural responses of the conical shell are studied. The effects of the external fluid loading and stiffeners are discussed. The results from the analytical models are validated by numerical results from a fully coupled finite element/boundary element model.

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