How background sounds affect speech understanding in people with normal and impaired hearing
Official title: Perception of speech in context by listeners with healthy and impaired hearing
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11332110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $380,064 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DC020303-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with normal hearing and those with hearing impairments who experience challenges in understanding speech in noisy settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have profound hearing loss or those who do not experience difficulties in speech perception may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stilp, Christian Edmund — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Stilp, Christian Edmund
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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.