Applications

As a fortuitous consequence of our basic research concerning sensorineural processes, we believe that we have revealed fundamental auditory processes that serve to make speech more intelligible under normal listening conditions. We refer to these processes as "spectral enhancement." With Professor Jenison, we have developed a signal-processing algorithm that enhances spectral information is much the same way that we hypothesize the auditory system to operate. This algorithm makes speech more resistant to distortion such as that found in hearing impairment. In addition, this processing algorithm may serve to improve computer speech recognition. In this ongoing project, we have tested many normal-hearing listeners in studies using simulated hearing loss, and our processing substantially improves recognition. We currently are extending this work to listeners with hearing impairments and to computer speech recognition. With Professor Alexander (Purdue University), we have been investigating the role spectral enhancement and other fundamental auditory processes for speech perception by listeners with hearing impairments.

Selected publications:

Alexander, J. M., Jenison, R. L., and Kluender, K. R. (submitted).  “Biologically-inspired spectral enhancement to improve speech recognition.”

Alexander, J.M., & Kluender, K.R. (2009). “Spectral tilt change in stop consonant perception by listeners with hearing impairment.” Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 52, 653-670.

Sensorineural Processes

Perceptual Experience

Speech for Language

Applications