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Cheng FY, Campbell J, Liu C. Auditory Sensory Gating: Effects of Noise. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:443. [PMID: 38927323 PMCID: PMC11200888 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) indicate that noise degrades auditory neural encoding, causing decreased peak amplitude and increased peak latency. Different types of noise affect CAEP responses, with greater informational masking causing additional degradation. In noisy conditions, attention can improve target signals' neural encoding, reflected by an increased CAEP amplitude, which may be facilitated through various inhibitory mechanisms at both pre-attentive and attentive levels. While previous research has mainly focused on inhibition effects during attentive auditory processing in noise, the impact of noise on the neural response during the pre-attentive phase remains unclear. Therefore, this preliminary study aimed to assess the auditory gating response, reflective of the sensory inhibitory stage, to repeated vowel pairs presented in background noise. CAEPs were recorded via high-density EEG in fifteen normal-hearing adults in quiet and noise conditions with low and high informational masking. The difference between the average CAEP peak amplitude evoked by each vowel in the pair was compared across conditions. Scalp maps were generated to observe general cortical inhibitory networks in each condition. Significant gating occurred in quiet, while noise conditions resulted in a significantly decreased gating response. The gating function was significantly degraded in noise with less informational masking content, coinciding with a reduced activation of inhibitory gating networks. These findings illustrate the adverse effect of noise on pre-attentive inhibition related to speech perception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Campbell
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (F.-Y.C.); (C.L.)
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Duquette-Laplante F, Jutras B, Néron N, Fortin S, Koravand A. Exploring the Differences Between an Immature and a Mature Human Auditory System Through Auditory Late Responses in Quiet and in Noise. Neuroscience 2024; 545:171-184. [PMID: 38513763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Children are disadvantaged compared to adults when they perceive speech in a noisy environment. Noise reduces their ability to extract and understand auditory information. Auditory-Evoked Late Responses (ALRs) offer insight into how the auditory system can process information in noise. This study investigated how noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and stimulus type affect ALRs in children and adults. Fifteen participants from each group with normal hearing were studied under various conditions. The findings revealed that both groups experienced delayed latencies and reduced amplitudes in noise but that children had fewer identifiable waves than adults. Babble noise had a significant impact on both groups, limiting the analysis to one condition: the /da/ stimulus at +10 dB SNR for the P1 wave. P1 amplitude was greater in quiet for children compared to adults, with no stimulus effect. Children generally exhibited longer latencies. N1 latency was longer in noise, with larger amplitudes in white noise compared to quiet for both groups. P2 latency was shorter with the verbal stimulus in quiet, with larger amplitudes in children than adults. N2 latency was shorter in quiet, with no amplitude differences between the groups. Overall, noise prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes. Different noise types had varying impacts, with the eight-talker babble noise causing more disruption. Children's auditory system responded similarly to adults but may be more susceptible to noise. This research emphasizes the need to understand noise's impact on children's auditory development, given their exposure to noisy environments, requiring further exploration of noise parameters in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauve Duquette-Laplante
- Audiology and Speech Pathology Program, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road, Room 3071, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Université de Montréal, c.p. 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Benoît Jutras
- School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Université de Montréal, c.p. 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Noémie Néron
- School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Université de Montréal, c.p. 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Sandra Fortin
- School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Université de Montréal, c.p. 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal H3C 3J7, Canada.
| | - Amineh Koravand
- Audiology and Speech Pathology Program, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road, Room 3071, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada.
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Gürkan S, Mungan Durankaya S. The effect of sensorineural hearing loss on central auditory processing of signals in noise in older adults. Neuroreport 2023; 34:249-254. [PMID: 36789840 PMCID: PMC10516166 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to explore the effect of sensorineural hearing loss on the central auditory processing of signals in noise using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) in a cohort of older adults. DESIGN Three groups of individuals participated in the study. Each group included 33 older adults with normal hearing, those with mild hearing loss and those with moderate hearing loss. N1-P2 peaks of CAEPs by speech stimuli in silent conditions and with varying sound pressure levels of background noise were recorded. CAEP latencies, amplitudes and relative changes in CAEP amplitudes as a function of decreasing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) in three groups were analyzed using the mixed analysis of variance method. RESULTS There was a significant main effect of SNR on all CAEP components, as well as significant main effects of hearing status on N1 latencies, amplitudes and relative changes in N1 amplitudes. A significant interaction was found between hearing status and SNR for relative changes in N1 amplitudes. The normal hearing group differed from both the mild and moderate hearing loss groups in terms of relative changes in N1 amplitudes at SNR 10 dB. CONCLUSION The results showed decreased amplitudes and increased latencies for N1-P2 response as the SNR of CAEP stimuli was lowered. The degree of reduction in the N1 amplitudes of the older people with normal hearing resulting from the increase in the background noise level was greater than those in their sensorineural hearing-impaired counterparts, providing evidence for decreased central inhibition for individuals with age-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selhan Gürkan
- Departments of Audiometry Dokuz Eylül University, Vocational School of Health Services
| | - Serpil Mungan Durankaya
- Departments of Audiometry Dokuz Eylül University, Vocational School of Health Services
- Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Audiology Unit, Dokuz Eylül University Hospital, İzmir, Türkiye
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Rocha MFB, Menezes DC, Duarte DSB, Griz SMS, Frizzo ACF, Menezes PDL, Teixeira CF, Advíncula KP. Masking release in cortical auditory evoked potentials with speech stimulus. Codas 2023. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212020334en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the effect of masking on the Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential with speech stimulus in young adults. Methods Fourteen individuals aged between 19 and 28 years of both sexes with no hearing loss participated in the study. The Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential examination was performed with synthetic speech stimulus /ba/ simultaneous to Speech Shaped Noise presented under three conditions: steady noise with a 30 dB SPLep intensity (weak steady noise), steady noise with a 65 dB SPLep intensity o (strong steady noise) and modulated noise with 30 dB SPLep and 65 dB SPLep intensities at 25Hz and modulation period of 40 ms. Results Higher latencies were observed in the cortical components, except P2, in the condition of strong steady noise and more meaningful measures of amplitude of the cortical components P1, N1 and P2 in the condition of modulated noise with statistically significant difference in comparison to the strong steady noise condition. There was worse wave morphology in the condition of strong steady noise, when compared to the other records. The average electrophysiological thresholds for the conditions of strong steady noise and modulated noise were 60 dB SPLep and 49 dB SPLep, respectively, showing a 11.7 dB mean difference. Conclusion We could infer that there was a lower masking effect of modulated noise when compared to the strong steady noise condition, in the amplitude measurements of the cortical components and an average difference of 11.7 dB between the electrophysiological thresholds (interpreted as the measure of the Masking Release).
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Notturno F, Croce P, Ornello R, Sacco S, Zappasodi F. Yield of EEG features as markers of disease severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022; 24:295-303. [PMID: 37078278 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2152696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the role of electroencephalography (EEG) as a promising marker of severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We characterized the brain spatio-temporal patterns activity at rest by means of both spectral band powers and EEG microstates and correlated these features with clinical scores. METHODS Eyes closed EEG was acquired in 15 patients with ALS and spectral band power was calculated in frequency bands, defined on the basis of individual alpha frequency (IAF): delta-theta band (1-7 Hz); low alpha (IAF - 2 Hz - IAF); high alpha (IAF - IAF + 2 Hz); beta (13 - 25 Hz). EEG microstate metrics (duration, occurrence, and coverage) were also evaluated. Spectral band powers and microstate metrics were correlated with several clinical scores of disabilities and disease progression. As a control group, 15 healthy volunteers were enrolled. RESULTS The beta-band power in motor/frontal regions was higher in patients with higher disease burden, negatively correlated with clinical severity scores and positively correlated with disease progression. Overall microstate duration was longer and microstate occurrence was lower in patients than in controls. Longer duration was correlated with a worse clinical status. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that beta-band power and microstate metrics may be good candidates of disease severity in ALS. Increased beta and longer microstate duration in clinically worse patients suggest a possible impairment of both motor and non-motor network activities to fast modify their status. This can be interpreted as an attempt in ALS patients to compensate the disability but resulting in an ineffective and probably maladaptive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierpaolo Croce
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ornello
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, and
| | - Simona Sacco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, and
| | - Filippo Zappasodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, University “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Schneider BA, Rabaglia C, Avivi-Reich M, Krieger D, Arnott SR, Alain C. Age-Related Differences in Early Cortical Representations of Target Speech Masked by Either Steady-State Noise or Competing Speech. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935475. [PMID: 35992450 PMCID: PMC9389464 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Word in noise identification is facilitated by acoustic differences between target and competing sounds and temporal separation between the onset of the masker and that of the target. Younger and older adults are able to take advantage of onset delay when the masker is dissimilar (Noise) to the target word, but only younger adults are able to do so when the masker is similar (Babble). We examined the neural underpinning of this age difference using cortical evoked responses to words masked by either Babble or Noise when the masker preceded the target word by 100 or 600 ms in younger and older adults, after adjusting the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) to equate behavioural performance across age groups and conditions. For the 100 ms onset delay, the word in noise elicited an acoustic change complex (ACC) response that was comparable in younger and older adults. For the 600 ms onset delay, the ACC was modulated by both masker type and age. In older adults, the ACC to a word in babble was not affected by the increase in onset delay whereas younger adults showed a benefit from longer delays. Hence, the age difference in sensitivity to temporal delay is indexed by early activity in the auditory cortex. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that an increase in onset delay improves stream segregation in younger adults in both noise and babble, but only in noise for older adults and that this change in stream segregation is evident in early cortical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. Schneider
- Department of Psychology, Human Communication Laboratory, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Bruce A. Schneider,
| | - Cristina Rabaglia
- Department of Psychology, Human Communication Laboratory, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Meital Avivi-Reich
- Department of Psychology, Human Communication Laboratory, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Dena Krieger
- Department of Psychology, Human Communication Laboratory, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | | | - Claude Alain
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, St. George Campus, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Rocha MFB, Menezes DC, Duarte DSB, Griz SMS, Frizzo ACF, Menezes PDL, Teixeira CF, Advíncula KP. Masking release in cortical auditory evoked potentials with speech stimulus. Codas 2022; 35:e20200334. [PMID: 36541959 PMCID: PMC10010424 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212020334pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the effect of masking on the Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential with speech stimulus in young adults. METHODS Fourteen individuals aged between 19 and 28 years of both sexes with no hearing loss participated in the study. The Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential examination was performed with synthetic speech stimulus /ba/ simultaneous to Speech Shaped Noise presented under three conditions: steady noise with a 30 dB SPLep intensity (weak steady noise), steady noise with a 65 dB SPLep intensity o (strong steady noise) and modulated noise with 30 dB SPLep and 65 dB SPLep intensities at 25Hz and modulation period of 40 ms. RESULTS Higher latencies were observed in the cortical components, except P2, in the condition of strong steady noise and more meaningful measures of amplitude of the cortical components P1, N1 and P2 in the condition of modulated noise with statistically significant difference in comparison to the strong steady noise condition. There was worse wave morphology in the condition of strong steady noise, when compared to the other records. The average electrophysiological thresholds for the conditions of strong steady noise and modulated noise were 60 dB SPLep and 49 dB SPLep, respectively, showing a 11.7 dB mean difference. CONCLUSION We could infer that there was a lower masking effect of modulated noise when compared to the strong steady noise condition, in the amplitude measurements of the cortical components and an average difference of 11.7 dB between the electrophysiological thresholds (interpreted as the measure of the Masking Release).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônyka Ferreira Borges Rocha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde da Comunicação Humana, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE - Recife (PE), Brasil
| | - Denise Costa Menezes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde da Comunicação Humana, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE - Recife (PE), Brasil
| | | | - Silvana Maria Sobral Griz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde da Comunicação Humana, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE - Recife (PE), Brasil
| | - Ana Claudia Figueiredo Frizzo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho - (UNESP) - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Pedro de Lemos Menezes
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas - UNCISAL - Maceió (AL), Brasil
| | | | - Karina Paes Advíncula
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde da Comunicação Humana, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE - Recife (PE), Brasil
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Atılgan A, Çiprut A. Effects of spatial separation with better- ear listening on N1-P2 complex. Auris Nasus Larynx 2021; 48:1067-1073. [PMID: 33745789 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine better- ear listening effect on spatial separation with the N1-P2 complex. METHODS Twenty individuals with normal hearing participated in this study. The speech stimulus /ba/ was presented in front of the participant (0°). Continuous Speech Noise (5 dB signal-to-noise ratio) was presented either in front of the participant (0°), left-side (-90°), or right-side (+90°). N1- P2 complex has been recorded in quiet and three noisy conditions. RESULTS There was a remarkable effect of noise direction on N1, P2 latencies. When the noise was separated from the stimulus, N1 and P2 latency increased in terms of when noise was co-located with the stimulus. There was no statistically significant difference in N1-P2 amplitudes between the stimulus-only and co-located condition. N1-P2 amplitude was increased when the noise came from the sides, according to the stimulus-only and co-located conditions. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that the latency shifts on N1-P2 complex explain cortical mechanisms of spatial separation in better-ear listening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atılım Atılgan
- Marmara University, School of Medicine, Audiology Department, İstanbul, Turkey; İstanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Audiology Department, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ayça Çiprut
- Marmara University, School of Medicine, Audiology Department, İstanbul, Turkey
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Faucette SP, Stuart A. An examination of electrophysiological release from masking in young and older adults. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 148:1786. [PMID: 33138490 DOI: 10.1121/10.0002010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The effect of age on release from masking (RFM) was examined using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs). Two speech-in-noise paradigms [i.e., fixed speech with varying signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and fixed noise with varying speech levels], similar to those used in behavioral measures of RFM, were employed with competing continuous and interrupted noises. Young and older normal-hearing adults participated (N = 36). Cortical responses were evoked in the fixed speech paradigm at SNRs of -10, 0, and 10 dB. In the fixed noise paradigm, the CAEP SNR threshold was determined in both noises as the lowest SNR that yielded a measurable response. RFM was demonstrated in the fixed speech paradigm with a significant amount of missing responses, longer P1 and N1 latencies, and smaller N1 response amplitudes in continuous noise at the poorest -10 dB SNR. In the fixed noise paradigm, RFM was demonstrated with significantly lower CAEP SNR thresholds in interrupted noise. Older participants demonstrated significantly longer P2 latencies and reduced P1 and N1 amplitudes. There was no evidence of a group difference in RFM in either paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Faucette
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39216-4505, USA
| | - Andrew Stuart
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353, USA
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Masking Release for Speech in Modulated Maskers: Electrophysiological and Behavioral Measures. Ear Hear 2020; 40:1009-1015. [PMID: 30557224 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to obtain an electrophysiological analog of masking release using speech-evoked cortical potentials in steady and modulated maskers and to relate this masking release to behavioral measures for the same stimuli. The hypothesis was that the evoked potentials can be tracked to a lower stimulus level in a modulated masker than in a steady masker and that the magnitude of this electrophysiological masking release is of the same order as that of the behavioral masking release for the same stimuli. DESIGN Cortical potentials evoked by an 80-ms /ba/ stimulus were measured in two steady maskers (30 and 65 dB SPL), and in a masker that modulated between these two levels at a rate of 25 Hz. In each masker, a level series was undertaken to determine electrophysiological threshold. Behavioral detection thresholds were determined in the same maskers using an adaptive tracking procedure. Masking release was defined as the difference between signal thresholds measured in the steady 65-dB SPL masker and the modulated masker. A total of 23 normal-hearing adults participated. RESULTS Electrophysiological thresholds were uniformly elevated relative to behavioral thresholds by about 6.5 dB. However, the magnitude of masking release was about 13.5 dB for both measurement domains. CONCLUSIONS Electrophysiological measures of masking release using speech-evoked cortical auditory evoked potentials correspond closely to behavioral estimates for the same stimuli. This suggests that objective measures based on electrophysiological techniques can be used to reliably gauge aspects of temporal processing ability.
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Egger K, Dau T, Epp B. Supra-threshold perception and neural representation of tones presented in noise in conditions of masking release. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222804. [PMID: 31600238 PMCID: PMC6786607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural representation and perceptual salience of tonal signals presented in different noise maskers were investigated. The properties of the maskers and signals were varied such that they produced different amounts of either monaural masking release, binaural masking release, or a combination of both. The signals were then presented at different levels above their corresponding masked thresholds and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) were measured. It was found that, independent of the masking condition, the amplitude of the P2 component of the AEP was similar for the same stimulus levels above masked threshold, suggesting that both monaural and binaural effects of masking release were represented at the level of the auditory pathway where P2 is generated. The perceptual salience of the signal was evaluated at equal levels above masked threshold using a rating task. In contrast to the electrophysiological findings, the subjective ratings of the perceptual signal salience were less consistent with the signal level above masked threshold and varied strongly across listeners and masking conditions. Overall, the results from the present study suggest that the P2 amplitude of the AEP represents an objective indicator of the audibility of a target signal in the presence of complex acoustic maskers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Egger
- Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Torsten Dau
- Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bastian Epp
- Hearing Systems Section, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Alnıaçık A, Akdaş F. The effects of adaptive directional microphone on auditory evoked cortical P300 response and speech performance in cochlear implant users. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:861-868. [PMID: 31268365 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2019.1637028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits of an adaptive directional microphone in noise by using auditory P300 and speech recognition scores (SRSs) in cochlear implant subjects.Design: The P300 and speech recognition scores were obtained (a) in quiet with an omnidirectional microphone (Quiet OM), (b) in noise with an omnidirectional microphone (Noise OM) and (c) in noise with an adaptive directional microphone (Noise BEAM) to compare the microphone effects.Study sample: Thirty-five cochlear implant subjects (22.87 ± 1.30 years)Results: The latencies of the P2, N2 and P3 responses as the discrimination potentials were significantly prolonged in the Noise OM condition compared with those obtained in the Quiet OM and Noise BEAM conditions (p < 0.05). The latencies of all responses in the Quiet OM and Noise BEAM conditions were similarly obtained (p > 0.05). SRSs were significantly lower in the Noise OM condition than in the Quiet OM and Noise BEAM condition (p < 0.05).Conclusions: During noise, the adaptive directional microphone system provided a discrimination ability similar to that seen in quiet settings for cochlear implant users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ferda Akdaş
- Department of Audiology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Morlet T, Nagao K, Greenwood LA, Cardinale RM, Gaffney RG, Riegner T. Auditory event-related potentials and function of the medial olivocochlear efferent system in children with auditory processing disorders. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:213-223. [PMID: 30682902 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1551632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives were to investigate the function of central auditory pathways and of the medial efferent olivocochlear system (MOCS). DESIGN Event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded following the delivery of the stimulus /da/ in quiet and in ipsilateral, contralateral, and binaural noise conditions and correlated to the results of the auditory processing disorders (APD) diagnostic test battery. MOCS function was investigated by adding ipsilateral, contralateral, and binaural noise to transient evoked otoacoustic emission recordings. Auditory brainstem responses and pure tone audiogram were also evaluated. STUDY SAMPLE Nineteen children (7 to 12 years old) with APD were compared with 24 age-matched controls. RESULTS Otoacoustic emissions and ABR characteristics did not differ between groups, whereas ERP latencies were significantly longer and of higher amplitudes in APD children than in controls, in both quiet and noise conditions. The MOCS suppression was higher in APD children. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that children with APD present with neural deficiencies in both challenging and nonchallenging environments with an increase in the timing of several central auditory processes correlated to their behavioural performances. Meanwhile, their modulation of the auditory periphery under noisy conditions differs from control children with higher suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Morlet
- a Auditory Physiology and Psychoacoustics Research Laboratory , Center for Pediatric Auditory Speech and Sciences, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington , DE , USA.,b Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science, College of Arts & Science , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.,c Georges Osborne College of Audiology , Salus University , Elkins Park , PA , USA
| | - Kyoko Nagao
- a Auditory Physiology and Psychoacoustics Research Laboratory , Center for Pediatric Auditory Speech and Sciences, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington , DE , USA.,b Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science, College of Arts & Science , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.,d Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Science , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - L Ashleigh Greenwood
- a Auditory Physiology and Psychoacoustics Research Laboratory , Center for Pediatric Auditory Speech and Sciences, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington , DE , USA
| | - R Matthew Cardinale
- a Auditory Physiology and Psychoacoustics Research Laboratory , Center for Pediatric Auditory Speech and Sciences, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington , DE , USA
| | - Rebecca G Gaffney
- a Auditory Physiology and Psychoacoustics Research Laboratory , Center for Pediatric Auditory Speech and Sciences, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington , DE , USA
| | - Tammy Riegner
- e Department of Audiology , Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children , Wilmington , DE , USA
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Rostami S, Moossavi A, Ahadi M, Jalaei S. Brainstem Correlates of Comodulation Masking Release for Speech in Normal Hearing Adults. J Audiol Otol 2018; 22:128-133. [PMID: 29656636 PMCID: PMC6103495 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2017.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Weak signals embedded in fluctuating masker can be perceived more efficiently than similar signals embedded in unmodulated masker. This release from masking is known as comodulation masking release (CMR). In this paper, we investigate, neural correlates of CMR in the human auditory brainstem. Subjects and Methods A total of 26 normal hearing subjects aged 18-30 years participated in this study. First, the impact of CMR was quantified by a behavioral experiment. After that, the brainstem correlates of CMR was investigated by the auditory brainstem response to complex sounds (cABR) in comodulated (CM) and unmodulated (UM) masking conditions. Results The auditory brainstem responses are less susceptible to degradation in response to the speech syllable /da/ in the CM noise masker in comparison with the UM noise masker. In the CM noise masker, frequency-following response (FFR) and fundamental frequency (F0) were correlated with better behavioral CMR. Furthermore, the subcortical response timing of subjects with higher CMR was less affected by the CM noise masker, having higher stimulus-to-noise response correlations over the FFR range. Conclusions The results of the present study revealed a significant link between brainstem auditory processes and CMR. The findings of the present study show that cABR provides objective information about the neural correlates of CMR for speech stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Rostami
- Department of Audiology, Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Moossavi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ahadi
- Department of Audiology, Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Jalaei
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Fowler CG. Electrophysiological Evidence for the Sources of the Masking Level Difference. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2017; 60:2364-2374. [PMID: 28750416 DOI: 10.1044/2017_jslhr-h-16-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review article is to review evidence from auditory evoked potential studies to describe the contributions of the auditory brainstem and cortex to the generation of the masking level difference (MLD). METHOD A literature review was performed, focusing on the auditory brainstem, middle, and late latency responses used in protocols similar to those used to generate the behavioral MLD. RESULTS Temporal coding of the signals necessary for generating the MLD occurs in the auditory periphery and brainstem. Brainstem disorders up to wave III of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) can disrupt the MLD. The full MLD requires input to the generators of the auditory late latency potentials to produce all characteristics of the MLD; these characteristics include threshold differences for various binaural signal and noise conditions. Studies using central auditory lesions are beginning to identify the cortical effects on the MLD. CONCLUSIONS The MLD requires auditory processing from the periphery to cortical areas. A healthy auditory periphery and brainstem codes temporal synchrony, which is essential for the ABR. Threshold differences require engaging cortical function beyond the primary auditory cortex. More studies using cortical lesions and evoked potentials or imaging should clarify the specific cortical areas involved in the MLD.
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Faucette SP, Stuart A. Evidence of a speech evoked electrophysiological release from masking in noise. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:EL218. [PMID: 28863590 DOI: 10.1121/1.4998151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a release from masking (RFM) was sought with cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) elicited by speech (/da/) in competing continuous and interrupted noises. Two paradigms (i.e., fixed speech with varying signal-to-noise ratios and fixed noise with varying speech levels) were employed. Shorter latencies and larger amplitudes were observed in interrupted versus continuous noise at equivalent signal-to-noise ratios. With fixed speech presentation, P1-N1-P2 latencies were prolonged and peak N1 and P2 amplitudes decreased and more so with continuous noise. CAEP thresholds were lower in interrupted noise. This is the first demonstration of RFM with CAEPs to speech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Faucette
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353, USA ,
| | - Andrew Stuart
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353, USA ,
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Maamor N, Billings CJ. Cortical signal-in-noise coding varies by noise type, signal-to-noise ratio, age, and hearing status. Neurosci Lett 2017; 636:258-264. [PMID: 27838448 PMCID: PMC5624801 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of noise type, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), age, and hearing status on cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) to speech sounds. This helps to explain the hearing-in-noise difficulties often seen in the aging and hearing impaired population. Continuous, modulated, and babble noise types were presented at varying SNRs to 30 individuals divided into three groups according to age and hearing status. Significant main effects of noise type, SNR, and group were found. Interaction effects revealed that the SNR effect varies as a function of noise type and is most systematic for continuous noise. Effects of age and hearing loss were limited to CAEP latency and were differentially modulated by energetic and informational-like masking. It is clear that the spectrotemporal characteristics of signals and noises play an important role in determining the morphology of neural responses. Participant factors such as age and hearing status, also play an important role in determining the brain's response to complex auditory stimuli and contribute to the ability to listen in noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashrah Maamor
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, P5-NCRAR, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Audiology Program, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Curtis J Billings
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, P5-NCRAR, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, PV01, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
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Electrophysiology and Perception of Speech in Noise in Older Listeners: Effects of Hearing Impairment and Age. Ear Hear 2016; 36:710-22. [PMID: 26502191 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Speech perception in background noise is difficult for many individuals, and there is considerable performance variability across listeners. The combination of physiological and behavioral measures may help to understand sources of this variability for individuals and groups and prove useful clinically with hard-to-test populations. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) determine the effect of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal level on cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) and sentence-level perception in older normal-hearing (ONH) and older hearing-impaired (OHI) individuals, (2) determine the effects of hearing impairment and age on CAEPs and perception, and (3) explore how well CAEPs correlate with and predict speech perception in noise. DESIGN Two groups of older participants (15 ONH and 15 OHI) were tested using speech-in-noise stimuli to measure CAEPs and sentence-level perception of speech. The syllable /ba/, used to evoke CAEPs, and sentences were presented in speech-spectrum background noise at four signal levels (50, 60, 70, and 80 dB SPL) and up to seven SNRs (-10, -5, 0, 5, 15, 25, and 35 dB). These data were compared between groups to reveal the hearing impairment effect and then combined with previously published data for 15 young normal-hearing individuals to determine the aging effect. RESULTS Robust effects of SNR were found for perception and CAEPs. Small but significant effects of signal level were found for perception, primarily at poor SNRs and high signal levels, and in some limited instances for CAEPs. Significant effects of age were seen for both CAEPs and perception, while hearing impairment effects were only found with perception measures. CAEPs correlate well with perception and can predict SNR50s to within 2 dB for ONH. However, prediction error is much larger for OHI and varies widely (from 6 to 12 dB) depending on the model that was used for prediction. CONCLUSIONS When background noise is present, SNR dominates both perception-in-noise testing and cortical electrophysiological testing, with smaller and sometimes significant contributions from signal level. A mismatch between behavioral and electrophysiological results was found (hearing impairment effects were primarily only seen for behavioral data), illustrating the possible contributions of higher order cognitive processes on behavior. It is interesting that the hearing impairment effect size was more than five times larger than the aging effect size for CAEPs and perception. Sentence-level perception can be predicted well in normal-hearing individuals; however, additional research is needed to explore improved prediction methods for older individuals with hearing impairment.
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Bidelman GM, Howell M. Functional changes in inter- and intra-hemispheric cortical processing underlying degraded speech perception. Neuroimage 2015; 124:581-590. [PMID: 26386346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that at poorer signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), auditory cortical event-related potentials are weakened, prolonged, and show a shift in the functional lateralization of cerebral processing from left to right hemisphere. Increased right hemisphere involvement during speech-in-noise (SIN) processing may reflect the recruitment of additional brain resources to aid speech recognition or alternatively, the progressive loss of involvement from left linguistic brain areas as speech becomes more impoverished (i.e., nonspeech-like). To better elucidate the brain basis of SIN perception, we recorded neuroelectric activity in normal hearing listeners to speech sounds presented at various SNRs. Behaviorally, listeners obtained superior SIN performance for speech presented to the right compared to the left ear (i.e., right ear advantage). Source analysis of neural data assessed the relative contribution of region-specific neural generators (linguistic and auditory brain areas) to SIN processing. We found that left inferior frontal brain areas (e.g., Broca's areas) partially disengage at poorer SNRs but responses do not right lateralize with increasing noise. In contrast, auditory sources showed more resilience to noise in left compared to right primary auditory cortex but also a progressive shift in dominance from left to right hemisphere at lower SNRs. Region- and ear-specific correlations revealed that listeners' right ear SIN advantage was predicted by source activity emitted from inferior frontal gyrus (but not primary auditory cortex). Our findings demonstrate changes in the functional asymmetry of cortical speech processing during adverse acoustic conditions and suggest that "cocktail party" listening skills depend on the quality of speech representations in the left cerebral hemisphere rather than compensatory recruitment of right hemisphere mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M Bidelman
- Institute for Intelligent Systems, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA; School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Megan Howell
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
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Verhey JL, Heeren W. Categorical scaling of partial loudness in a condition of masking release. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 138:904-915. [PMID: 26328706 DOI: 10.1121/1.4927415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Categorical loudness scaling was used to measure suprathreshold release from masking. The signal was a 986-Hz sinusoid that was embedded in a bandpass-filtered masking noise. This noise was either unmodulated or was amplitude modulated with a square-wave modulator. The unmodulated noise had either the same level as the modulated noise or had a level that was reduced by the difference in thresholds for the 986-Hz signal obtained with the modulated and unmodulated noise masker presented at the same level (i.e., the masking release). A comparison with loudness matching data of the same set of subjects showed that the data obtained with loudness scaling capture main aspects of the change in suprathreshold perception of the sinusoid when the masker was modulated. The scaling data for the signal masked by the unmodulated noise with the reduced masker level were similar to that for the signal embedded in the modulated noise. This similarity supports the hypothesis that the mechanism eliciting the masking release is effectively reducing the masker level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesko L Verhey
- Department of Experimental Audiology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Heeren
- Department of Experimental Audiology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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Epp B, Yasin I, Verhey JL. Objective measures of binaural masking level differences and comodulation masking release based on late auditory evoked potentials. Hear Res 2013; 306:21-8. [PMID: 24047593 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The audibility of important sounds is often hampered due to the presence of other masking sounds. The present study investigates if a correlate of the audibility of a tone masked by noise is found in late auditory evoked potentials measured from human listeners. The audibility of the target sound at a fixed physical intensity is varied by introducing auditory cues of (i) interaural target signal phase disparity and (ii) coherent masker level fluctuations in different frequency regions. In agreement with previous studies, psychoacoustical experiments showed that both stimulus manipulations result in a masking release (i: binaural masking level difference; ii: comodulation masking release) compared to a condition where those cues are not present. Late auditory evoked potentials (N1, P2) were recorded for the stimuli at a constant masker level, but different signal levels within the same set of listeners who participated in the psychoacoustical experiment. The data indicate differences in N1 and P2 between stimuli with and without interaural phase disparities. However, differences for stimuli with and without coherent masker modulation were only found for P2, i.e., only P2 is sensitive to the increase in audibility, irrespective of the cue that caused the masking release. The amplitude of P2 is consistent with the psychoacoustical finding of an addition of the masking releases when both cues are present. Even though it cannot be concluded where along the auditory pathway the audibility is represented, the P2 component of auditory evoked potentials is a candidate for an objective measure of audibility in the human auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Epp
- Centre for Applied Hearing Research, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Ørsteds Plads, Building 352, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Bennett KO, Billings CJ, Molis MR, Leek MR. Neural encoding and perception of speech signals in informational masking. Ear Hear 2012; 33:231-8. [PMID: 22367094 PMCID: PMC3292743 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0b013e31823173fd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the contributions of energetic and informational masking to neural encoding and perception in noise, using oddball discrimination and sentence recognition tasks. DESIGN P3 auditory evoked potential, behavioral discrimination, and sentence recognition data were recorded in response to speech and tonal signals presented to nine normal-hearing adults. Stimuli were presented at a signal to noise ratio of -3 dB in four background conditions: quiet, continuous noise, intermittent noise, and four-talker babble. RESULTS Responses to tonal signals were not significantly different for the three maskers. However, responses to speech signals in the four-talker babble resulted in longer P3 latencies, smaller P3 amplitudes, poorer discrimination accuracy, and longer reaction times than in any of the other conditions. Results also demonstrate significant correlations between physiological and behavioral data. As latency of the P3 increased, reaction times also increased and sentence recognition scores decreased. CONCLUSION The data confirm a differential effect of masker type on the P3 and behavioral responses and present evidence of interference by an informational masker to speech understanding at the level of the cortex. Results also validate the use of the P3 as a useful measure to demonstrate physiological correlates of informational masking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri O'Connell Bennett
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon OR 97239 , USA.
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Verhey JL, Ernst SMA, Yasin I. Effects of sequential streaming on auditory masking using psychoacoustics and auditory evoked potentials. Hear Res 2012; 285:77-85. [PMID: 22326589 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at investigating the relationship between the mismatch negativity (MMN) and psychoacoustical effects of sequential streaming on comodulation masking release (CMR). The influence of sequential streaming on CMR was investigated using a psychoacoustical alternative forced-choice procedure and electroencephalography (EEG) for the same group of subjects. The psychoacoustical data showed, that adding precursors comprising of only off-signal-frequency maskers abolished the CMR. Complementary EEG data showed an MMN irrespective of the masker envelope correlation across frequency when only the off-signal-frequency masker components were present. The addition of such precursors promotes a separation of the on- and off-frequency masker components into distinct auditory objects preventing the auditory system from using comodulation as an additional cue. A frequency-specific adaptation changing the representation of the flanking bands in the streaming conditions may also contribute to the reduction of CMR in the stream conditions, however, it is unlikely that adaptation is the primary reason for the streaming effect. A neurophysiological correlate of sequential streaming was found in EEG data using MMN, but the magnitude of the MMN was not correlated with the audibility of the signal in CMR experiments. Dipole source analysis indicated different cortical regions involved in processing auditory streaming and modulation detection. In particular, neural sources for processing auditory streaming include cortical regions involved in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesko L Verhey
- Department of Experimental Audiology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Billings CJ, Bennett KO, Molis MR, Leek MR. Cortical encoding of signals in noise: effects of stimulus type and recording paradigm. Ear Hear 2011; 32:53-60. [PMID: 20890206 PMCID: PMC3010248 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0b013e3181ec5c46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perception-in-noise deficits have been demonstrated across many populations and listening conditions. Many factors contribute to successful perception of auditory stimuli in noise, including neural encoding in the central auditory system. Physiological measures such as cortical auditory-evoked potentials (CAEPs) can provide a view of neural encoding at the level of the cortex that may inform our understanding of listeners' abilities to perceive signals in the presence of background noise. To understand signal-in-noise neural encoding better, we set out to determine the effect of signal type, noise type, and evoking paradigm on the P1-N1-P2 complex. DESIGN Tones and speech stimuli were presented to nine individuals in quiet and in three background noise types: continuous speech spectrum noise, interrupted speech spectrum noise, and four-talker babble at a signal-to-noise ratio of -3 dB. In separate sessions, CAEPs were evoked by a passive homogenous paradigm (single repeating stimulus) and an active oddball paradigm. RESULTS The results for the N1 component indicated significant effects of signal type, noise type, and evoking paradigm. Although components P1 and P2 also had significant main effects of these variables, only P2 demonstrated significant interactions among these variables. CONCLUSIONS Signal type, noise type, and evoking paradigm all must be carefully considered when interpreting signal-in-noise evoked potentials. Furthermore, these data confirm the possible usefulness of CAEPs as an aid to understand perception-in-noise deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis J Billings
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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Parbery-Clark A, Marmel F, Bair J, Kraus N. What subcortical-cortical relationships tell us about processing speech in noise. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 33:549-57. [PMID: 21255123 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
To advance our understanding of the biological basis of speech-in-noise perception, we investigated the effects of background noise on both subcortical- and cortical-evoked responses, and the relationships between them, in normal hearing young adults. The addition of background noise modulated subcortical and cortical response morphology. In noise, subcortical responses were later, smaller in amplitude and demonstrated decreased neural precision in encoding the speech sound. Cortical responses were also delayed by noise, yet the amplitudes of the major peaks (N1, P2) were affected differently, with N1 increasing and P2 decreasing. Relationships between neural measures and speech-in-noise ability were identified, with earlier subcortical responses, higher subcortical response fidelity and greater cortical N1 response magnitude all relating to better speech-in-noise perception. Furthermore, it was only with the addition of background noise that relationships between subcortical and cortical encoding of speech and the behavioral measures of speech in noise emerged. Results illustrate that human brainstem responses and N1 cortical response amplitude reflect coordinated processes with regards to the perception of speech in noise, thereby acting as a functional index of speech-in-noise perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Parbery-Clark
- Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-2952, USA.
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Cortical representation of release from auditory masking. Neuroimage 2010; 49:835-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Gutschalk A, Micheyl C, Oxenham AJ. Neural correlates of auditory perceptual awareness under informational masking. PLoS Biol 2008; 6:e138. [PMID: 18547141 PMCID: PMC2422852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our ability to detect target sounds in complex acoustic backgrounds is often limited not by the ear's resolution, but by the brain's information-processing capacity. The neural mechanisms and loci of this "informational masking" are unknown. We combined magnetoencephalography with simultaneous behavioral measures in humans to investigate neural correlates of informational masking and auditory perceptual awareness in the auditory cortex. Cortical responses were sorted according to whether or not target sounds were detected by the listener in a complex, randomly varying multi-tone background known to produce informational masking. Detected target sounds elicited a prominent, long-latency response (50-250 ms), whereas undetected targets did not. In contrast, both detected and undetected targets produced equally robust auditory middle-latency, steady-state responses, presumably from the primary auditory cortex. These findings indicate that neural correlates of auditory awareness in informational masking emerge between early and late stages of processing within the auditory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gutschalk
- Department of Neurology, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Hiraumi H, Nagamine T, Morita T, Naito Y, Fukuyama H, Ito J. Effect of amplitude modulation of background noise on auditory-evoked magnetic fields. Brain Res 2008; 1239:191-7. [PMID: 18778694 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although it is known that amplitude modulation of a background masker improves signal detection, its effects on supra-threshold sounds are still unclear. In this study, the effects of amplitude modulation of a background masker on supra-threshold sounds were evaluated using a whole-head magnetoencephalography system. We compared the auditory-evoked magnetic fields recorded with a 500-Hz tone-burst of supra-threshold level with either random speech-spectrum noise (Unmodulated noise) or amplitude-modulated noise (Modulated noise) in 10 young normal-hearing subjects. The sounds were presented binauraly. The strengths of the N100m in the two noise conditions were examined. The masking effect of Modulated noise on supra-threshold sound was stronger than that of Unmodulated noise, a finding opposite to that on peri-threshold sound. The growth rate of the N100m strengths in the Modulated noise condition was less than that in the Unmodulated noise condition in the left hemisphere, whereas they were not different in the right hemisphere, suggesting that the left hemisphere was more susceptible to the envelope fluctuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harukazu Hiraumi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54, Kawaharacho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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