Speech perception and working memory in noisy environments

As the average age of Canadians increases, so too does the number of people who experience hearing loss. One of the primary complaints of hearing aid users is listening to speech in environments with a high degree of background noise. Advances in hearing aid technology may be able to address this problem, but understanding how cognitive factors like working memory, cognitive control and processing speed affect listening under poor conditions is a critical first step.
The proposed research aims to examine this issue and to develop tools that will enable clinicians to measure critical cognitive components efficiently and reliably. Such information will help clinicians determine the best course of action for each individual (hearing aid types or other treatments). This research will inform hearing aid development in an area of utmost need and will help Canadians hear and function as they desire.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Watter

Student:

Partner:

Starkey Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McMaster University

Program: