Effect of amplification bandwidth on intelligibility of several different speech samples for a listener with sensorineural hearing loss

This paper examines the effect of amplification bandwidth on speech intelligibility using multiple speech samples.

A comparison of the QuickSIN and TEN tests: two recent tests designed to predict patient benefit from high frequency amplification

This paper presents a comparison of two tests designed to predict which hearing impaired patients may benefit from high frequency amplification.

Effect of auditory processing on the preference of monaural amplification for adults with symmetrical hearing loss

The purpose of this project was to determine if subjects with symmetrical hearing loss who prefer a monaural hearing aid fit to a binaural hearing aid fit may demonstrate an auditory processing disorder causing them to experience binaural interference when fit binaurally.

Classroom acoustics: enhancing the listening environment through the use of amplification systems

This paper discusses the variables affecting classroom acoustics and a case study examination of some local classrooms. Classrooms were measured against proposed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and treatment options for improving acoustics are suggested.

Development of a simple index to predict benefit and satisfaction from amplification

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of non-audiological patient-based variables; amount of bother, importance of improved hearing, and expectations, as reliable predictors of benefit and satisfaction from amplification. Study findings were then used to develop two initial prognostic indices.

Effect of amplification bandwidth on speech intelligibility

This paper was a study to examine the effect of bandlimiting on speech intelligibility.

Outcomes of conventional amplification for pediatric unilateral hearing loss

Although some children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) are at-risk for educational difficulties and behavioral problems, research in treatment outcomes for pediatric UHL is limited. The objective of this study was to examine the benefits of a conventional hearing aid in children with mild to moderately severe UHL, using speech perception measures and subjective assessments from the child, parent, and teacher.

Real-Time software control of neural stimulation in a closed loop Animat system

A recent area for investigation into the development of adaptable robot control is the use of living neuronal networks to control a mobile robot. The so-called Animat paradigm comprises a neuronal network (the ‘brain’) connected to an external embodiment (in this case a mobile robot), facilitating potentially robust, adaptable robot control and increased understanding of neural processes. Sensory input from the robot is provided to the neuronal network via stimulation on a number of electrodes embedded in a specialist Petri dish (Multi Electrode Array (MEA)); accurate control of this stimulation is vital. We present software tools allowing precise, near real-time control of electrical stimulation on MEAs, with fast switching between electrodes and the application of custom stimulus waveforms. These Linux-based tools are compatible with the widely used MEABench data acquisition system. Benefits include rapid stimulus modulation in response to neuronal activity (closed loop) and batch processing of stimulation protocols.

Atmospheric warming and the amplification of precipitation extremes

Climate models suggest that extreme precipitation events will become more common in an anthropogenically warmed climate. However, observational limitations have hindered a direct evaluation of model-projected changes in extreme precipitation. We used satellite observations and model simulations to examine the response of tropical precipitation events to naturally driven changes in surface temperature and atmospheric moisture content. These observations reveal a distinct link between rainfall extremes and temperature, with heavy rain events increasing during warm periods and decreasing during cold periods. Furthermore, the observed amplification of rainfall extremes is found to be larger than that predicted by models, implying that projections of future changes in rainfall extremes in response to anthropogenic global warming may be underestimated.

Linear amplification of marginally neutral baroclinic waves

Baroclinic wave development is investigated for unstable parallel shear flows in the limit of vanishing normal-mode growth rate. This development is described in terms of the propagation and interaction mechanisms of two coherent structures, called counter-propagating Rossby waves (CRWs). It is shown that, in this limit of vanishing normal-mode growth rate, arbitrary initial conditions produce sustained linear amplification of the marginally neutral normal mode (mNM). This linear excitation of the mNM is subsequently interpreted in terms of a resonance phenomenon. Moreover, while the mathematical character of the normal-mode problem changes abruptly as the bifurcation point in the dispersion diagram is encountered and crossed, it is shown that from an initial-value viewpoint, this transition is smooth. Consequently, the resonance interpretation remains relevant (albeit for a finite time) for wavenumbers slightly different from the ones defining cut-off points. The results are further applied to a two-layer version of the classic Eady model in which the upper rigid lid has been replaced by a simple stratosphere.