Introduction
Our brains possess a remarkable ability to form “auditory objects,” allowing us to distinguish important sounds from background noise, which is vital for understanding speech in noisy environments. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this ability are still not fully understood, particularly for individuals with hearing impairments.
This project is supported by the William Demant Foundation.
Aims
This project investigates how the brain represents these auditory objects and how this process is affected by hearing loss. We’re particularly interested in how the brain utilizes the statistical properties of background sounds to aid in the formation of auditory objects. By understanding this process, we can potentially improve hearing aids and other assistive devices.
Methodology
To study this, we use psychoacoustic experiments with both normal hearing and hearing-impaired participants. These experiments involve carefully designed listening tasks to assess how different acoustic cues affect the brain’s ability to form and maintain auditory objects. We combine these experiments with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which enables us to measure brain activity using light. Combining these methods allows us to link perceptual experiences with the underlying brain activity, providing a more comprehensive understanding of auditory object formation.
