How background noise affects the brain's processing of speech
Official title: The impact of noise on temporal integration of speech in the human brain
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11263948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains understand speech when there's background noise, which can help us learn more about the struggles people with hearing difficulties face in noisy places.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | November 4, 2024 |
| Project end | November 3, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,000 |
| NIH project number | 3F32DC022145-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11263948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with normal hearing and those experiencing hearing difficulties, particularly in noisy settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with profound hearing loss or those who are unable to process auditory information may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human brain integrates speech information in the presence of background noise. Using advanced techniques like scalp and intracranial EEG, the study aims to understand the varying timescales at which the auditory cortex processes speech under different listening conditions. By applying a novel method called the temporal context invariance (TCI) paradigm, researchers will measure how background noise influences the brain's ability to decode speech. This could provide insights into the challenges faced by individuals with hearing difficulties in noisy environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing speech understanding in noisy environments for individuals with hearing impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding auditory processing in noisy environments, but this approach using the TCI paradigm is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boebinger, Dana — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Boebinger, Dana
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.