R21 ECR Research Grant - NIH NIDCD
Understanding aided speech perception in noise
Hearing aids are designed to improve communication by reducing gain at spatial locations away from relevant speech, but not all listeners benefit from this imprecise strategy. In this study, we investigate the effects of directional processing on speech perception in noise using a three-pronged approach that systematically controls hearing aid digital signal processing, assays relevant behavioral measures, and discovers the neural processes affected by aided listening. The goal of this study is to launch a comprehensive framework for hearing aid evaluation and development grounded in established models of hearing and neuroscience.