How background sounds affect speech understanding in people with normal and impaired hearing

Perception of speech in context by listeners with healthy and impaired hearing

NIH-funded research Marquette University · NIH-11332110

This study looks at how different background sounds affect our ability to understand speech, especially for people with normal hearing and those who have hearing challenges, to help find better ways for everyone to communicate in noisy environments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMarquette University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11332110 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the sounds around us influence our ability to understand speech, particularly for individuals with normal hearing and those with hearing impairments. The study aims to explore the mechanisms behind these acoustic context effects, which are crucial for maintaining clarity in speech perception amidst varying listening environments. By conducting experiments that simulate real-world conditions, the research seeks to provide insights into how different background noises impact speech understanding. This could lead to improved strategies for enhancing communication for those with hearing difficulties.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with normal hearing and those with hearing impairments who experience challenges in understanding speech in noisy settings.

Not a fit: Patients who have profound hearing loss or those who do not experience difficulties in speech perception may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better hearing aids and communication strategies that enhance speech understanding in noisy environments for individuals with hearing impairments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the influence of background sounds on speech perception can lead to advancements in auditory processing, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.