IDEA #2ANOTX Neuro-Adaptive Speech Enhancement (NASE). 16A0010

Approach: We focus on speech signals and propose to tune hearing aid parameters on a long-term basis to achieve maximum speech ineligibility by assessing ineligibility from the electro-encephalographic responses to speech. The basic hypothesis is that speech ineligibility modulates neural reliability, which may be measurable during long-term, day-to-day exposure to natural sounds. We will develop and evaluate a specific and novel measure of neural reliability and establish whether, and how well it correlates with speech ineligibility. Development and validation of a robust neural marker of intelligibility in a laboratory setting is the first step required in order to optimize hearing aid parameters in real world scenarios. The main research question to be addressed in this project is the quality of prediction of speech intelligibility based on neural responses.