Search Results (104)

Background/Objectives: This study describes the development and validation of the Danish Sentence Test (DAST), a Danish-language, adaptive speech-in-noise test constructed from a linguistically balanced corpus using a template-based method. This approach enables controlled linguistic variation while maintaining lexical consistency and may serve as a model for developing similar speech materials in other languages. Methods: Sentences spoken by one female talker from the DAST corpus were sorted into 44 balanced lists of 20 sentences using a psychometric optimization procedure. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured in 20 normal-hearing participants using headphone playback with speech-shaped noise. Results: Across the 44 sentence lists, the mean SRT was −5.3 dB SNR, with list means within ±0.5 dB of the grand average under the tested configuration. The average within-subject standard deviation was 0.7 dB, and the grand-average psychometric slope was 18.5%/dB. A statistically significant within-session training effect of approximately 0.02 dB per measurement. Conclusions: This study provides normative speech reception threshold (SRT) data for the adaptive Danish Sentence Test (DAST) in normal-hearing listeners under a defined headphone-based speech-in-noise paradigm and demonstrates that the resulting sentence lists yield comparable performance across lists. The template-based construction and optimization approach offers a framework for developing linguistically rich sentence-in-noise tests in other languages. Full article

This paper presents a prototype for an assistive navigation system that integrates three-dimensional audio spatialization with computer vision to improve the mobility of visually impaired individuals. The system uses stereoscopic depth perception and real-time point cloud reconstruction alongside a modified YOLO convolutional neural network for object detection and auralization techniques with head-related impulse response functions. Twenty participants (ten who were visually impaired and ten who were blindfolded) navigated controlled obstacle scenarios while wearing a chest-mounted camera and specialized headphones. The prototype achieved 95.00% precision in object classification across eleven obstacle categories and a 33.19% recall, indicating conservative detection behavior. The processing efficiency was 0.042489 s per image, which exceeds real-time requirements. User evaluation revealed an average collision rate of 0.5 per scenario and a mean completion time of 48 s. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in collision rates between participant groups ($p=0.172$), though visually impaired participants demonstrated faster completion times ($p=0.003$). Integrating segmented, convolution-based audio processing with stereoscopic depth estimation enabled users to perceive obstacle locations through spatial sound cues, establishing a foundation for advancing assistive navigation technologies without extensive training. Full article

Virtual acoustics enables the creation and simulation of realistic and ecologically valid indoor environments vital for hearing research and audiology. For real-time applications, room acoustics simulation requires simplifications. However, the acoustic level of detail (ALOD) necessary to capture all perceptually relevant effects remains unclear. This study examines the impact of varying ALOD in simulations of three real environments: a living room with a coupled kitchen, a pub, and an underground station. ALOD was varied by generating different numbers of image sources for early reflections, or by excluding geometrical room details specific for each environment. Simulations were perceptually evaluated using headphones in comparison to measured, real binaural room impulse responses, or by using loudspeakers. The perceived overall difference, spatial audio quality differences, plausibility, speech intelligibility, and externalization were assessed. A transient pulse, an electric bass, and a speech token were used as stimuli. The results demonstrate that considerable reductions in acoustic level of detail are perceptually acceptable for communication-oriented scenarios. Speech intelligibility was robust across ALOD levels, whereas broadband transient stimuli revealed increased sensitivity to simplifications. High-ALOD simulations yielded plausibility and externalization ratings comparable to real-room recordings under both headphone and loudspeaker reproduction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a growing public health concern, particularly with the widespread use of personal listening devices (PLDs). Limited evidence exists on NIHL awareness and risk factors in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. This study assessed awareness of NIHL associated with headphone use, identified associated risk factors and preventive attitudes, and interpreted the findings using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the COM-B framework. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 462 adults (18–60 years) using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media. The collected data included demographics, PLD utilization, manifestations of hearing loss, knowledge, attitudes, and risk factors. Analysis included descriptive statistics and mapping results to HBM and COM-B constructs. Results: Among respondents, 54.3% were male, and 61.9% held a university degree. Additionally, 40.7% regularly used headphones/earphones, and 53.9% reported exposure to workplace noise. Overall, 74.7% noted at least one symptom of hearing loss, and 42.4% experienced tinnitus. Age, smoking, chronic disease, family history, workplace noise, and PLD use frequency/duration were significantly associated with hearing loss problems (all p < 0.05). While 78.4% recognized high-volume risk, only 58.0% believed NIHL is preventable. Social media was the primary source of information, and most participants favored device- or behavior-based interventions. Model-based analysis revealed gaps in perceived susceptibility and behavioral capability. Conclusions: Despite moderate general awareness, substantial knowledge gaps and unsafe listening behaviors persist. Integration of HBM and COM-B analysis highlights the need for tailored public health approaches and multifaceted NIHL prevention strategies. Full article

This paper presents Macalla, a practice-based research project investigating how architectural spaces function as co-creative instruments in Ambisonic choral composition. Comprising four original compositions, Macalla employed Nelson’s praxis model, integrating creative practice with critical reflection through iterative cycles of composition, anechoic vocal recording, and site-specific re-recording. The project explored six contrasting architecturally significant spaces including a gaol, churches, and civic offices. Using a stop-motion stem playback methodology, studio-recorded vocals were reintroduced to architectural spaces, revealing emergent sonic properties that challenged compositional intentions and generated new musical possibilities. The resulting Ambisonic works were disseminated through multiple formats including VR/360 video via YouTube, Octophonic concert performance, and immersive headphone experiences to maximize accessibility. Analysis of listener behaviours identified distinct engagement patterns, seekers actively hunting optimal positions and dwellers settling into meditative reception, suggesting spatial compositions contain multiple potential works activated through listener choice. The project contributes empirical evidence of acoustic agency, with documented sonic transformations demonstrating that architectural spaces actively participate in composition rather than passively containing it. This research offers methodological frameworks for site-specific spatial audio creation while advancing understanding of how Ambisonic technology can transform the composer-performer-listener relationship in contemporary musical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dysregulated gamma oscillations are associated with cognitive dysfunction. Auditory stimulation at 40 Hz enhances neural activity in brain regions associated with learning, attention, and memory. This study assessed the safety and acceptability of 40 Hz amplitude-modulated auditory stimulation in healthy older people. Auditory stimuli were created using popular songs, where vocals and background music were separated and independently amplitude-modulated at 40 Hz with different modulation depths to generate periodic 40 Hz gamma waveforms. Methods: In this open-label, single-arm study, healthy participants aged ≥65 years received 40 Hz amplitude-modulated auditory stimulation daily via a smartphone for 28 days through earphones/headphones. Safety was assessed through adverse event (AE) monitoring and changes in clinical scores for depression, cognitive function, and hearing thresholds. Acceptability was evaluated by adherence rates, listening time, dropout reasons, volume levels, intent for future use, and subjective impressions of the sound source on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: Among 28 participants (mean age 69.1 years, 53.6% female), six reported 12 AEs, with six considered device-related (e.g., ear discomfort, jaw pain, musculoskeletal stiffness). The AEs observed were mild or moderate. Scores for cognitive function, depression, and hearing thresholds did not worsen during the study period. Adherence was observed in 96.4%, with 85.7% expressing interest in continuing. Most participants rated the sounds’ unnaturalness between 2 and 3 and discomfort between 1 and 3 on the 7-point Likert scale. Conclusions: The intervention was well tolerated and acceptable in study participants, with no major safety concerns identified. Auditory stimulation did not cause severe discomfort or reduce acceptability. Further studies should explore the long-term effects and broader clinical applications. Full article

Multisensory behavioral research is increasingly aiming to move beyond traditional laboratories and into real-world settings. Smartphones offer a promising platform for this purpose, but their use in psychophysical experiments requires rigorous validation of their ability to precisely present multisensory stimuli and record reaction times (RTs). To date, no study has systematically assessed the feasibility of conducting RT-based multisensory paradigms on smartphones. In this study, we developed a reproducible validation method to quantify smartphones’ temporal precision in synchronized auditory–tactile stimulus delivery and RT logging. Applying this method to five Android devices, we identified two with sufficient precision. We also introduced a technique to enhance RT measurement by combining touchscreen and accelerometer data, effectively doubling the measure resolution—from 8.33 ms (limited by a 120 Hz refresh rate) to 4 ms. Using a top-performing device identified through our validation, we conducted an audio–tactile RT experiment with 20 healthy participants. Looming sounds were presented through headphones during a tactile detection task. Results showed that looming sounds reduced tactile RTs by 20–25 ms compared to static sounds, replicating a well-established multisensory effect linked to peripersonal space. These findings present a robust method for validating smartphones for cognitive research and demonstrate that high-precision audio–tactile paradigms can be reliably implemented on mobile devices. This work lays the groundwork for rigorous, scalable, and ecologically valid multisensory behavioral studies in naturalistic environments, expanding participant reach and enhancing the relevance of multisensory research. Full article

Background: Wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) carpal tunnel release (CTR), performed in the clinic setting, has emerged as a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional operating room (OR)-based decompression. With increasing adoption in clinic settings, WALANT CTR offers the potential to improve access, reduce costs, and maintain excellent patient outcomes. Purpose: This clinical practice update provides an evidence-based summary of clinic-based WALANT CTR, including patient selection, procedural setup, safety profile, cost implications, and system-level considerations for implementation. Recent Findings: Multiple prospective and retrospective studies confirm the safety of WALANT CTR in the clinic setting, with complication rates comparable to OR-based procedures and no increase in surgical-site infections when field sterility is used. Cost analyses report a 70–85% reduction in facility costs per operative case, and patient satisfaction remains consistently high, even among those with anxiety disorders or psychiatric conditions. Adjunctive interventions such as virtual reality technology devices and noise-canceling headphones further enhance the awake surgical experience. Institutional adoption remains variable, with barriers including sterility concerns, billing uncertainty, and credentialing logistics. This clinical update offers detailed, practical guidance on implementing WALANT CTR for surgeons and staff, covering scheduling, staff training, clinical integration, billing, and compliance considerations. Summary: Clinic-based WALANT CTR is a high-value, patient-centered approach supported by a growing body of literature. With appropriate patient selection, streamlined workflows, and institutional support, this model can optimize surgical care delivery in both resource-rich and limited environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of patient-preferred music delivered intraoperatively versus postoperatively on Emergence Delirium (ED) incidence, severity, and duration, while identifying predictors, to evaluate non-pharmacologic interventions for enhanced anesthetic management. Materials and Methods: In a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 360 patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to intraoperative music, postoperative music, or control groups. Participants selected genres played via headphones. Primary outcome was ED incidence (Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale [RASS] score ≥ +1 within 60 min after extubation); secondary outcomes included severity, duration, visual analogue scale pain scores, satisfaction, and adverse events. Results: Intraoperative music reduced ED incidence (13.8% vs. 28.7% in controls, p < 0.001) and severity (mean RASS 1.3 vs. 1.8, p < 0.01). Postoperative music shortened duration (15.2 vs. 22.5 min, p < 0.01) and pain (mean visual analogue scale 3.0 vs. 4.2, p < 0.01). Both improved satisfaction (p < 0.001). Higher preoperative State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scores predicted ED (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, p = 0.01), with music protective (OR 0.45–0.62). Conclusions: Intraoperative music effectively prevents ED, and postoperative music improves recovery. Integrating patient-preferred music and screening for anxiety may enhance peri-anesthesia care in elderly patients. Full article

Navigational aids play a vital role in enhancing the mobility and independence of blind and visually impaired (VI) individuals. However, existing solutions often present challenges related to discomfort, complexity, and limited ability to provide detailed environmental awareness. To address these limitations, we introduce SnapStick, an innovative assistive technology designed to improve spatial perception and navigation. SnapStick integrates a Bluetooth-enabled smart cane, bone-conduction headphones, and a smartphone application powered by the Florence-2 Vision Language Model (VLM) to deliver real-time object recognition, text reading, bus route detection, and detailed scene descriptions. To assess the system’s effectiveness and user experience, eleven blind participants evaluated SnapStick, and usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS). In addition to the 94% accuracy, the device received an SUS score of 84.7%, indicating high user satisfaction, ease of use, and comfort. Participants reported that SnapStick significantly improved their ability to navigate, recognize objects, identify text, and detect landmarks with greater confidence. The system’s ability to provide accurate and accessible auditory feedback proved essential for real-world applications, making it a practical and user-friendly solution. These findings highlight SnapStick’s potential to serve as an effective assistive device for blind individuals, enhancing autonomy, safety, and navigation capabilities in daily life. Future work will explore further refinements to optimize user experience and adaptability across different environments. Full article

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of self-administered web- and app-based tools for audiometric testing compared to pure-tone audiometry (PTA), the clinical gold standard. Methods: Studies were eligible if they involved human participants, evaluated self-administered digital tools for audiometric testing, reported diagnostic accuracy metrics (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy), were published between 2014 and 2024, and were written in English. Studies were excluded if they did not compare to PTA, were reviews, or did not assess self-administered tools. MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE were systematically searched throughout November 2024. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool, evaluating four domains: patient selection, index test, reference standard, and flow and timing. Most studies showed some concern for a risk of bias. Results: Twelve studies, including a total of 2453 participants and evaluating 15 applications, met the inclusion criteria. The studies reported wide variability in diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity ranged from 18% to 100%, specificity from 35.5% to 99.1%, and accuracy from 14% to 97.4%. SHOEBOX and Screenout demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, while other apps showed inconsistent results across studies and settings. Heterogeneity in definitions of hearing loss, test environments, device and headphone types and a lack of standardized reporting limited comparability. Most studies were conducted in non-soundproof environments, and some had unclear or a high risk of bias. Conclusions: Self-administered audiometric apps and web tools show promise for remote hearing screening but require further validation and methodological standardization. Clinicians should interpret the results cautiously given the current variability in performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous research has shown that listeners may use acoustic cues for speech processing that are perceived during brief segments in the noise when there is an optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This “glimpsing” effect requires higher cognitive skills than the speech tasks used in typical audiometric evaluations. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of an online test of speech processing in noise in listeners with typical hearing sensitivity (TH, defined as thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL) who were asked to determine the gender of the subject in sentences that were presented in increasing levels of continuous and interrupted noise. Methods: This was a repeated-measures design with three factors (SNR, noise type, and syntactic complexity). Study Sample: Participants with self-reported TH (N = 153, ages 18–39 years, mean age = 20.7 years) who passed an online hearing screening were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed a sentence recognition task under four SNRs (−6, −9, −12, and −15 dB), two syntactic complexity settings (subjective-relative and objective-relative center-embedded), and two noise types (interrupted and continuous). They were asked to listen to 64 sentences through their own headphones/earphones that were presented in an online format at a user-selected comfortable listening level. Their task was to identify the gender of the person performing the action in each sentence. Results: Significant main effects of all three factors as well as the SNR by noise-type two-way interaction were identified (p < 0.05). This interaction indicated that the effect of SNR on sentence comprehension was more pronounced in the continuous noise compared to the interrupted noise condition. Conclusions: Listeners with self-reported TH benefited from the glimpsing effect in the interrupted noise even under low SNRs (i.e., −15 dB). The evaluation of glimpsing may be a sensitive measure of auditory processing beyond the traditional word recognition used in clinical evaluations in persons who report hearing challenges and may hold promise for the development of auditory training programs. Full article

This paper proposes a solution for guiding visually impaired people to reach predefined locations marked with preregistered passive ultra-high-frequency RFID tags inside public buildings (e.g., secretary’s offices and information desks). Our approach employs an unmanned ground vehicle guidance system that assists customers in following predefined routes. The solution also includes a methodology for recording the best routes between all possible locations that may be visited. When reaching the destination, the system will read the tag, extract all the associated information from a database, and translate it into an audio format played into the user’s headphones. The system includes functionalities such as recording and playback of prerecorded routes, voice commands, and audio instructions. By describing the software and hardware architecture of the proposed guiding systems prototype, we show how combining ultra-high-frequency RFID technology with unmanned ground vehicle guiding systems equipped with ultrasonic, grayscale, hall sensors, and voice interfaces allows the development of accessible, low-cost guiding systems with increased functionalities. Moreover, we compare and analyze two different modes of route recording based on line following and manual recording, obtaining a performance regarding route playback with deviations under 10% for several basic scenarios. Full article

A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) is commonly used to optimize the input dynamic range of high-performance systems such as headphones and biomedical sensors. But PGA is rather sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which limits the precision of these systems. Many capacitor-less low-dropout regulator (LDO) schemes with high power supply rejection have been proposed to act as the independent power supply for PGA, which consumes additional power and area. This paper proposed a PGA with a high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and low power consumption, which serves as the analog front-end amplifier in the 20-bit sigma-delta ADC. The PGA is a two-stage amplifier with hybrid compensation. The first stage is the recycling folded cascode amplifier with the gain-boost technique, while the second stage is the class-AB output stage. The PGA was implemented in the 0.18 μm CMOS technology and achieved a 9.44 MHz unity-gain bandwidth (UGBW) and a 57.8° phase margin when driving the capacitor of 5.9 pF. An optimum figure-of-merit (FoM) value of 905.67 has been achieved with the proposed PGA. As the front-end amplifier of a high-precision ADC, it delivers a DC gain of 162.1 dB, the equivalent input noise voltage of 301.6 nV and an offset voltage of 1.61 μV. Within the frequency range below 60 MHz, the measured PSRR of ADC is below −70 dB with an effective number of bits (ENOB), namely 20 bits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Localization deficit is often said to be a symptom of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). However, no clinically viable assessment of localization ability has been developed to date. The current study presents pilot data for a new assessment of absolute auditory localization using headphones. Methods: Speech phrases encoded with non-individualized head-related transfer functions (HRTF) using real-time digital processing were presented to two cohorts of participants with normal hearing. Variations in the simulated environment (anechoic and reverberant) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were made to assess each of these factors’ influences on localization performance. Experiment 1 assessed 30 young adults aged 21–33 years old and Experiment 2 assessed 28 young adults aged 21–29 years old. All participants had hearing thresholds better than 20 dB HL. Results: Participants performed the localization task with a moderate degree of accuracy (Experiment 1: Mean RMS error = 25.9°; Experiment 2: Mean RMS error 27.2°). Front–back errors (FBEs) were evident, contributing to an average RMS error that was notably elevated when compared to similar free-field tasks. There was no statistically significant influence from the simulated environment or SNR on performance. Conclusions: An exploration of test viability in the pediatric and APD-positive populations is warranted alongside further correction for FBEs; however, the potential for future clinical implementation of this measure of absolute auditory localization is encouraging. Full article