{"id":782,"date":"2017-03-20T13:40:48","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T13:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bear-hearing.dk\/?page_id=782"},"modified":"2020-09-16T13:11:58","modified_gmt":"2020-09-16T13:11:58","slug":"raul-sanchez-lopez","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bear-hearing.dk\/da\/whoweare\/raul-sanchez-lopez\/","title":{"rendered":"Raul Sanchez Lopez \u2013 Hvem vi er"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hvem vi er<\/h3>\t\t\t
Projektet havde deltagelse af en gruppe dedikerede mennesker, der kom fra audiologiske klinikker, universiteter, teknologisk service, og h\u00f8reapparatindustrien. Det var medicinske audiologer og otologer, ingeni\u00f8rer, konsulenter og audiologop\u00e6der. Nogle unge, andre mere erfarne. Nogle arbejdede p\u00e5 projektet p\u00e5 fuld tid, andre p\u00e5 deltid og med andre forpligtelser. Enkelte havde direkte erfaringer med h\u00f8reneds\u00e6ttelse og rehabilitering.<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\n
\n\t\"Raul\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

Raul Sanchez Lopez<\/b><\/a><\/div>\r\nPost Doc\r\nDanmarks Tekniske Universitet<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Raul Sanchez Lopez<\/h3>\n
\n\t

Raul Sanchez Lopez er en certificeret audiolog fra IES Moratalaz i Spanien, og har arbejdet som audiolog i mere end 10 \u00e5r. Han l\u00e6ste telekommunikation indenfor lyd og billed ved Universitet i Madrid i Spanien, hvor han fik sin Bachelor grad i 2013. I 2015 fik han sin kandidatgrad i Lyd og Akustisk Teknologi fra Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, hvor han den 14. august 2020 forsvarede sin PhD indenfor \"Clinical auditory profiling and profile-based hearing-aid fitting\". I 2020 startede han ved Interacoustics, mens han fortsat arbejder p\u00e5 deltid som Post Doc ved DTU.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Arbejdsomr\u00e5de<\/h3>\n
\n\t

Raul bidrager til arbejdet med nye strategier for profilering og tilpasning<\/a> af h\u00f8reapparater til patienter med h\u00f8reneds\u00e6ttelse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ressourcer<\/h3>\n
\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

Publikationer<\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/form>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n

2024<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Ca\u00f1ete, Oscar M; Loquet, G\u00e9rard; Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Hougaard, Dan Dupont; Schnack-Petersen, Rikke; Gaihede, Michael; Schmidt, Jesper H; Hammersh\u00f8i, Dorte; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Auditory Profile-Based Hearing Aid Fitting: Self-Reported Benefit for First-Time Hearing Aid Users<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Audiological Research, <\/span>14 <\/span>(1), <\/span>pp. 183-195, <\/span>2024<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{AdiolRes2024,
\r\ntitle = {Auditory Profile-Based Hearing Aid Fitting: Self-Reported Benefit for First-Time Hearing Aid Users},
\r\nauthor = {Oscar M Ca\u00f1ete and G\u00e9rard Loquet and Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Dan Dupont Hougaard and Rikke Schnack-Petersen and Michael Gaihede and Jesper H Schmidt and Dorte Hammersh\u00f8i and Tobias Neher},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2039-4349\/14\/1\/17},
\r\ndoi = {10.3390\/audiolres14010017},
\r\nyear = {2024},
\r\ndate = {2024-02-08},
\r\njournal = {Audiological Research},
\r\nvolume = {14},
\r\nnumber = {1},
\r\npages = {183-195},
\r\nabstract = {Background: Although hearing aids (HAs) can compensate for reduced audibility, functional outcomes and benefits vary widely across individuals. As part of the Danish \u2018Better hEAring Rehabilitation\u2019 (BEAR) project, four distinct auditory profiles differing in terms of audiometric thresholds and supra-threshold hearing abilities were recently identified. Additionally, profile-specific HA-fitting strategies were proposed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the self-reported benefit of these profile-based HA fittings in a group of new HA users. Methods: A total of 205 hearing-impaired older adults were recruited from two Danish university hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: (1) NAL-NL2 gain prescription combined with default advanced feature settings (\u2018reference fitting\u2019) or (2) auditory profile-based fitting with tailored gain prescription and advanced feature settings (\u2018BEAR fitting\u2019). Two months after treatment, the participants completed the benefit version of the short form of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12-B) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaire. Results: Overall, participants reported a clear benefit from HA treatment. However, no significant differences in the SSQ12-B or IOI-HA scores between the reference and BEAR fittings were found. Conclusion: First-time users experience clear benefits from HA treatment. Auditory profile-based HA fitting warrants further investigation.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Background: Although hearing aids (HAs) can compensate for reduced audibility, functional outcomes and benefits vary widely across individuals. As part of the Danish \u2018Better hEAring Rehabilitation\u2019 (BEAR) project, four distinct auditory profiles differing in terms of audiometric thresholds and supra-threshold hearing abilities were recently identified. Additionally, profile-specific HA-fitting strategies were proposed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the self-reported benefit of these profile-based HA fittings in a group of new HA users. Methods: A total of 205 hearing-impaired older adults were recruited from two Danish university hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: (1) NAL-NL2 gain prescription combined with default advanced feature settings (\u2018reference fitting\u2019) or (2) auditory profile-based fitting with tailored gain prescription and advanced feature settings (\u2018BEAR fitting\u2019). Two months after treatment, the participants completed the benefit version of the short form of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12-B) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaire. Results: Overall, participants reported a clear benefit from HA treatment. However, no significant differences in the SSQ12-B or IOI-HA scores between the reference and BEAR fittings were found. Conclusion: First-time users experience clear benefits from HA treatment. Auditory profile-based HA fitting warrants further investigation.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Fereczkowski, Michal; Sanchez-Lopez, Raul H; Christiansen, Stine; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Amplitude Compression for Preventing Rollover at Above-Conversational Speech Levels<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Trends in Hearing, <\/span>28 <\/span>, 2024<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{Michal2024,
\r\ntitle = {Amplitude Compression for Preventing Rollover at Above-Conversational Speech Levels},
\r\nauthor = {Michal Fereczkowski and Raul H Sanchez-Lopez and Stine Christiansen and Tobias Neher},
\r\ndoi = {10.1177\/23312165231224597},
\r\nyear = {2024},
\r\ndate = {2024-01-08},
\r\njournal = {Trends in Hearing},
\r\nvolume = {28},
\r\nabstract = {Hearing aids provide nonlinear amplification to improve speech audibility and loudness perception. While more audibility typically increases speech intelligibility at low levels, the same is not true for above-conversational levels, where decreases in intelligibility (\u201crollover\u201d) can occur. In a previous study, we found rollover in speech intelligibility measurements made in quiet for 35 out of 74 test ears with a hearing loss. Furthermore, we found rollover occurrence in quiet to be associated with poorer speech intelligibility in noise as measured with linear amplification. Here, we retested 16 participants with rollover with three amplitude-compression settings. Two were designed to prevent rollover by applying slow- or fast-acting compression with a 5:1 compression ratio around the \u201csweet spot,\u201d that is, the area in an individual performance-intensity function with high intelligibility and listening comfort. The third, reference setting used gains and compression ratios prescribed by the \u201cNational Acoustic Laboratories Non-Linear 1\u201d rule. Speech intelligibility was assessed in quiet and in noise. Pairwise preference judgments were also collected. For speech levels of 70\u2005dB SPL and above, slow-acting sweet-spot compression gave better intelligibility in quiet and noise than the reference setting. Additionally, the participants clearly preferred slow-acting sweet-spot compression over the other settings. At lower levels, the three settings gave comparable speech intelligibility, and the participants preferred the reference setting over both sweet-spot settings. Overall, these results suggest that, for listeners with rollover, slow-acting sweet-spot compression is beneficial at 70\u2005dB SPL and above, while at lower levels clinically established gain targets are more suited.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Hearing aids provide nonlinear amplification to improve speech audibility and loudness perception. While more audibility typically increases speech intelligibility at low levels, the same is not true for above-conversational levels, where decreases in intelligibility (\u201crollover\u201d) can occur. In a previous study, we found rollover in speech intelligibility measurements made in quiet for 35 out of 74 test ears with a hearing loss. Furthermore, we found rollover occurrence in quiet to be associated with poorer speech intelligibility in noise as measured with linear amplification. Here, we retested 16 participants with rollover with three amplitude-compression settings. Two were designed to prevent rollover by applying slow- or fast-acting compression with a 5:1 compression ratio around the \u201csweet spot,\u201d that is, the area in an individual performance-intensity function with high intelligibility and listening comfort. The third, reference setting used gains and compression ratios prescribed by the \u201cNational Acoustic Laboratories Non-Linear 1\u201d rule. Speech intelligibility was assessed in quiet and in noise. Pairwise preference judgments were also collected. For speech levels of 70\u2005dB SPL and above, slow-acting sweet-spot compression gave better intelligibility in quiet and noise than the reference setting. Additionally, the participants clearly preferred slow-acting sweet-spot compression over the other settings. At lower levels, the three settings gave comparable speech intelligibility, and the participants preferred the reference setting over both sweet-spot settings. Overall, these results suggest that, for listeners with rollover, slow-acting sweet-spot compression is beneficial at 70\u2005dB SPL and above, while at lower levels clinically established gain targets are more suited.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2022<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Wu, Mengfan; Fereczkowski, Michal; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Baumann, Monika; Kowalewski, Borys; Piechowiak, Tobias; Bisgaard, Nikolai; Ravn, Gert; Narayanan, Sreeram Kaithali; Dau, Torsten; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Towards Auditory Profile-Based Hearing-Aid Fittings: BEAR Rationale and Clinical Implementation<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Audiological Research, <\/span>12 <\/span>(5), <\/span>pp. 564-573, <\/span>2022<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{AudRes2022a,
\r\ntitle = {Towards Auditory Profile-Based Hearing-Aid Fittings: BEAR Rationale and Clinical Implementation},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Mengfan Wu and Michal Fereczkowski and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Monika Baumann and Borys Kowalewski and Tobias Piechowiak and Nikolai Bisgaard and Gert Ravn and Sreeram Kaithali Narayanan and Torsten Dau and Tobias Neher},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/audiolres12050055},
\r\ndoi = {10.3390\/audiolres12050055},
\r\nyear = {2022},
\r\ndate = {2022-10-09},
\r\njournal = {Audiological Research},
\r\nvolume = {12},
\r\nnumber = {5},
\r\npages = {564-573},
\r\nabstract = {(1) Background: To improve hearing-aid rehabilitation, the Danish \u2018Better hEAring Rehabilitation\u2019 (BEAR) project recently
\r\ndeveloped methods for individual hearing loss
\r\ncharacterization and hearing-aid fitting. Four auditory profiles differing in terms of audiometric hearing loss and supra-threshold hearing abilities were identified. To enable auditory profile-based hearing-aid treatment, a fitting rationale leveraging differences in gain prescription and signal-to- noise (SNR) improvement was developed. This report describes the translation of this rationale to clinical devices supplied by three industrial partners. (2) Methods: Regarding the SNR improvement, advanced feature settings were proposed and verified based on free-field measurements made with an acoustic mannikin fitted with the different hearing aids. Regarding the gain prescription, a clinically feasible fitting tool and procedure based on real-ear gain adjustments were developed. (3) Results: Analyses of the collected real-ear gain and SNR improvement data confirmed the feasibility of the clinical implementation. Differences between the auditory profile-based fitting strategy and a current \u2018best practice\u2019 procedure based on the NAL- NL2 fitting rule were verified and are discussed in terms of limitations and future perspectives. (4) Conclusion: Based on a joint effort from academic and industrial partners, the BEAR fitting rationale was transferred to commercially available hearing aids.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

(1) Background: To improve hearing-aid rehabilitation, the Danish \u2018Better hEAring Rehabilitation\u2019 (BEAR) project recently
\r\ndeveloped methods for individual hearing loss
\r\ncharacterization and hearing-aid fitting. Four auditory profiles differing in terms of audiometric hearing loss and supra-threshold hearing abilities were identified. To enable auditory profile-based hearing-aid treatment, a fitting rationale leveraging differences in gain prescription and signal-to- noise (SNR) improvement was developed. This report describes the translation of this rationale to clinical devices supplied by three industrial partners. (2) Methods: Regarding the SNR improvement, advanced feature settings were proposed and verified based on free-field measurements made with an acoustic mannikin fitted with the different hearing aids. Regarding the gain prescription, a clinically feasible fitting tool and procedure based on real-ear gain adjustments were developed. (3) Results: Analyses of the collected real-ear gain and SNR improvement data confirmed the feasibility of the clinical implementation. Differences between the auditory profile-based fitting strategy and a current \u2018best practice\u2019 procedure based on the NAL- NL2 fitting rule were verified and are discussed in terms of limitations and future perspectives. (4) Conclusion: Based on a joint effort from academic and industrial partners, the BEAR fitting rationale was transferred to commercially available hearing aids.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Dau, Torsten<\/p>

Clinical Auditory Profiling. Divide and Conquer<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Audiology Today, <\/span>34 <\/span>(4), <\/span>pp. 14-25, <\/span>2022<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{AT344,
\r\ntitle = {Clinical Auditory Profiling. Divide and Conquer},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Torsten Dau},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/www.audiology.org\/news-and-publications\/audiology-today\/articles\/clinical-auditory-profiling-divide-and-conquer\/},
\r\nyear = {2022},
\r\ndate = {2022-07-01},
\r\njournal = {Audiology Today},
\r\nvolume = {34},
\r\nnumber = {4},
\r\npages = {14-25},
\r\nabstract = {Currently, the clinical characterization of hearing deficits for hearing aid fitting is based primarily on the pure-tone audiogram. In our work, we explored how data-driven approaches can effectively identify patient subpopulations with distinct differences in terms of their hearing abilities. This process is what we called \"auditory profiling\"; it opens several opportunities for improving the hearing rehabilitation process based on suprathreshold hearing deficits of patients.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2021<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Nielsen, Silje Grini; El-Haj-Ali, Mouhamad; Bianchi, Federica; Fereczkowski, Michal; Ca\u00f1ete, Oscar M; Wu, Mengfan; Neher, Tobias; Dau, Torsten; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien<\/p>

Auditory Tests for Characterizing Hearing Deficits in Listeners With Various Hearing Abilities: The BEAR Test Battery<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Frontiers in Neuroscience, <\/span>15 <\/span>(724007), <\/span>pp. 1-19, <\/span>2021<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{Frontiers_sept_2021,
\r\ntitle = {Auditory Tests for Characterizing Hearing Deficits in Listeners With Various Hearing Abilities: The BEAR Test Battery},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Silje Grini Nielsen and Mouhamad El-Haj-Ali and Federica Bianchi and Michal Fereczkowski and Oscar M Ca\u00f1ete and Mengfan Wu and Tobias Neher and Torsten Dau and S\u00e9bastien Santurette},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fnins.2021.724007\/full},
\r\ndoi = {10.3389\/fnins.2021.724007},
\r\nyear = {2021},
\r\ndate = {2021-09-29},
\r\njournal = {Frontiers in Neuroscience},
\r\nvolume = {15},
\r\nnumber = {724007},
\r\npages = {1-19},
\r\nabstract = {The Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project aims to provide a new clinical profiling tool\u2014a test battery\u2014for hearing loss characterization. Although the loss of sensitivity can be efficiently measured using pure-tone audiometry, the assessment of supra-threshold hearing deficits remains a challenge. In contrast to the classical \u201cattenuation-distortion\u201d model, the proposed BEAR approach is based on the hypothesis that the hearing abilities of a given listener can be characterized along two dimensions, reflecting independent types of perceptual deficits (distortions). A data-driven approach provided evidence for the existence of different auditory profiles with different degrees of distortions. Ten tests were included in a test battery, based on their clinical feasibility, time efficiency, and related evidence from the literature. The tests were divided into six categories: audibility, speech perception, binaural processing abilities, loudness perception, spectro-temporal modulation sensitivity, and spectro-temporal resolution. Seventy-five listeners with symmetric, mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss were selected from a clinical population. The analysis of the results showed interrelations among outcomes related to
\r\nhigh-frequency processing and outcome measures related to low-frequency processing abilities. The results showed the ability of the tests to reveal differences among individuals and their potential use in clinical settings. },
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

The Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project aims to provide a new clinical profiling tool\u2014a test battery\u2014for hearing loss characterization. Although the loss of sensitivity can be efficiently measured using pure-tone audiometry, the assessment of supra-threshold hearing deficits remains a challenge. In contrast to the classical \u201cattenuation-distortion\u201d model, the proposed BEAR approach is based on the hypothesis that the hearing abilities of a given listener can be characterized along two dimensions, reflecting independent types of perceptual deficits (distortions). A data-driven approach provided evidence for the existence of different auditory profiles with different degrees of distortions. Ten tests were included in a test battery, based on their clinical feasibility, time efficiency, and related evidence from the literature. The tests were divided into six categories: audibility, speech perception, binaural processing abilities, loudness perception, spectro-temporal modulation sensitivity, and spectro-temporal resolution. Seventy-five listeners with symmetric, mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss were selected from a clinical population. The analysis of the results showed interrelations among outcomes related to
\r\nhigh-frequency processing and outcome measures related to low-frequency processing abilities. The results showed the ability of the tests to reveal differences among individuals and their potential use in clinical settings. <\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Dau, Torsten; Whitmer, William M<\/p>

Audiometric profiles and patterns of benefit: a data-driven analysis of subjective hearing difficulties and handicaps<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

International Journal of Audiology, <\/span>pp. 1\u201310, <\/span>2021<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{doi:10.1080\/14992027.2021.1905890,
\r\ntitle = {Audiometric profiles and patterns of benefit: a data-driven analysis of subjective hearing difficulties and handicaps},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Torsten Dau and William M Whitmer},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14992027.2021.1905890},
\r\ndoi = {10.1080\/14992027.2021.1905890},
\r\nyear = {2021},
\r\ndate = {2021-04-07},
\r\njournal = {International Journal of Audiology},
\r\npages = {1--10},
\r\npublisher = {Taylor & Francis},
\r\nabstract = {Objective: Hearing rehabilitation attempts to compensate for auditory dysfunction, reduce hearing difficulties and minimise participation restrictions that can lead to social isolation. However, there is no systematic approach to assess the quality of the intervention at an individual level that might help to evaluate the need of further hearing rehabilitation in the hearing care clinic.
\r\nDesign: A data-driven analysis on subjective data reflecting hearing disabilities and handicap was chosen to explore \u201cbenefit patterns\u201d as a result of rehabilitation in different audiometric groups. The method was based on (1) dimensionality reduction; (2) stratification; (3) archetypal analysis; (4) clustering; (5) item importance estimation.
\r\nStudy sample: 572 hearing-aid users completed questionnaires of hearing difficulties (speech, spatial and
\r\nqualities hearing scale; SSQ) and hearing handicap (HHQ).
\r\nResults: The data-driven approach revealed four benefit profiles that were different for each audiometric
\r\ngroup. The groups with low degree of high-frequency hearing loss (HLHF) showed a priority for rehabilitating hearing handicaps, whereas the groups with HLHF > 50 dB HL showed a priority for improvements in speech understanding.
\r\nConclusions: The patterns of benefit and the stratification approach might guide the clinical intervention
\r\nstrategy and improve the efficacy and quality of service in the hearing care clinic.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Objective: Hearing rehabilitation attempts to compensate for auditory dysfunction, reduce hearing difficulties and minimise participation restrictions that can lead to social isolation. However, there is no systematic approach to assess the quality of the intervention at an individual level that might help to evaluate the need of further hearing rehabilitation in the hearing care clinic.
\r\nDesign: A data-driven analysis on subjective data reflecting hearing disabilities and handicap was chosen to explore \u201cbenefit patterns\u201d as a result of rehabilitation in different audiometric groups. The method was based on (1) dimensionality reduction; (2) stratification; (3) archetypal analysis; (4) clustering; (5) item importance estimation.
\r\nStudy sample: 572 hearing-aid users completed questionnaires of hearing difficulties (speech, spatial and
\r\nqualities hearing scale; SSQ) and hearing handicap (HHQ).
\r\nResults: The data-driven approach revealed four benefit profiles that were different for each audiometric
\r\ngroup. The groups with low degree of high-frequency hearing loss (HLHF) showed a priority for rehabilitating hearing handicaps, whereas the groups with HLHF > 50 dB HL showed a priority for improvements in speech understanding.
\r\nConclusions: The patterns of benefit and the stratification approach might guide the clinical intervention
\r\nstrategy and improve the efficacy and quality of service in the hearing care clinic.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Fereczkowski, Michal; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Towards Auditory Profile-Based Hearing-Aid Fitting: Fitting Rationale and Pilot Evaluation<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Audiology Research, <\/span>11 <\/span>(1), <\/span>pp. 10\u201321, <\/span>2021<\/span>, ISBN: 2039-4349<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{audiolres11010002,
\r\ntitle = {Towards Auditory Profile-Based Hearing-Aid Fitting: Fitting Rationale and Pilot Evaluation},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Michal Fereczkowski and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau and Tobias Neher},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2039-4349\/11\/1\/2}},
\r\ndoi = {10.3390\/audiolres11010002},
\r\nisbn = {2039-4349},
\r\nyear = {2021},
\r\ndate = {2021-01-16},
\r\njournal = {Audiology Research},
\r\nvolume = {11},
\r\nnumber = {1},
\r\npages = {10--21},
\r\nabstract = {Background\u2014The clinical characterization of hearing deficits for hearing-aid fitting purposes is typically based on the pure-tone audiogram only. In a previous study, a group of hearing-impaired listeners completed a comprehensive test battery that was designed to tap into different dimensions of hearing abilities. A data-driven analysis of the data yielded four clinically relevant patient sub-populations or \u201cauditory profiles\u201d. The purpose of the current study was to propose and pilot-test profile-based hearing-aid settings in order to explore their potential for providing more targeted hearing-aid treatment. Methods\u2014Four candidate hearing-aid settings were developed and evaluated by a subset of the participants tested previously. The evaluation consisted of multi-comparison preference ratings that were carried out in realistic sound scenarios. Results\u2014Listeners belonging to the different auditory profiles showed different patterns of preference for the tested hearing-aid settings that were largely consistent with the expectations. Conclusions\u2014The results of this pilot evaluation support further investigations into stratified, profile-based hearing-aid fitting with wearable hearing aids.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2020<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Wu, Mengfan; Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; El-Haj-Ali, Mouhamad; Nielsen, Silje G; Fereczkowski, Michal; Dau, Torsten; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Investigating the Effects of Four Auditory Profiles on Speech Recognition, Overall Quality, and Noise Annoyance With Simulated Hearing-Aid Processing Strategies<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Trends in Hearing, <\/span>24 <\/span>, pp. 1-12, <\/span>2020<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{doi:10.1177\/2331216520960861,
\r\ntitle = {Investigating the Effects of Four Auditory Profiles on Speech Recognition, Overall Quality, and Noise Annoyance With Simulated Hearing-Aid Processing Strategies},
\r\nauthor = {Mengfan Wu and Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Mouhamad El-Haj-Ali and Silje G Nielsen and Michal Fereczkowski and Torsten Dau and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Tobias Neher},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F2331216520960861},
\r\ndoi = {10.1177\/2331216520960861},
\r\nyear = {2020},
\r\ndate = {2020-10-19},
\r\njournal = {Trends in Hearing},
\r\nvolume = {24},
\r\npages = {1-12},
\r\nabstract = {Effective hearing aid (HA) rehabilitation requires personalization of the HA fitting parameters, but in current clinical practice only the gain prescription is typically individualized. To optimize the fitting process, advanced HA settings such as noise reduction and microphone directionality can also be tailored to individual hearing deficits. In two earlier studies, an auditory test battery and a data-driven approach that allow classifying hearing-impaired listeners into four auditory profiles were developed. Because these profiles were found to be characterized by markedly different hearing abilities, it was hypothesized that more tailored HA fittings would lead to better outcomes for such listeners. Here, we explored potential interactions between the four auditory profiles and HA outcome as assessed with three different measures (speech recognition, overall quality, and noise annoyance) and six HA processing strategies with various noise reduction, directionality, and compression settings. Using virtual acoustics, a realistic speech-in-noise environment was simulated. The stimuli were generated using a HA simulator and presented to 49 habitual HA users who had previously been profiled. The four auditory profiles differed clearly in terms of their mean aided speech reception thresholds, thereby implying different needs in terms of signal-to-noise ratio improvement. However, no clear interactions with the tested HA processing strategies were found. Overall, these findings suggest that the auditory profiles can capture some of the individual differences in HA processing needs and that further research is required to identify suitable HA solutions for them. },
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Effective hearing aid (HA) rehabilitation requires personalization of the HA fitting parameters, but in current clinical practice only the gain prescription is typically individualized. To optimize the fitting process, advanced HA settings such as noise reduction and microphone directionality can also be tailored to individual hearing deficits. In two earlier studies, an auditory test battery and a data-driven approach that allow classifying hearing-impaired listeners into four auditory profiles were developed. Because these profiles were found to be characterized by markedly different hearing abilities, it was hypothesized that more tailored HA fittings would lead to better outcomes for such listeners. Here, we explored potential interactions between the four auditory profiles and HA outcome as assessed with three different measures (speech recognition, overall quality, and noise annoyance) and six HA processing strategies with various noise reduction, directionality, and compression settings. Using virtual acoustics, a realistic speech-in-noise environment was simulated. The stimuli were generated using a HA simulator and presented to 49 habitual HA users who had previously been profiled. The four auditory profiles differed clearly in terms of their mean aided speech reception thresholds, thereby implying different needs in terms of signal-to-noise ratio improvement. However, no clear interactions with the tested HA processing strategies were found. Overall, these findings suggest that the auditory profiles can capture some of the individual differences in HA processing needs and that further research is required to identify suitable HA solutions for them. <\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul<\/p>

Clinical auditory profiling and profile-based hearing-aid fitting<\/a> PhD Thesis<\/span> <\/p>

PhD thesis, Hearing Systems, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark, <\/span>2020<\/span>.<\/p>

Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul H; Fereczkowski, Michal; Neher, Tobias; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten<\/p>

Robust auditory profiling: Improved data-driven method and profile definitions for better hearing rehabilitation<\/a> Inproceedings<\/span> <\/p>

Kressner, Abigail Anne; Regev, Jonathan; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Tranebj\u00e6rg, Lisbeth; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten (Ed.): Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, <\/span>pp. 281-288, <\/span>2020<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@inproceedings{ISAAR2019_Raul_print,
\r\ntitle = {Robust auditory profiling: Improved data-driven method and profile definitions for better hearing rehabilitation},
\r\nauthor = {Raul H Sanchez-Lopez and Michal Fereczkowski and Tobias Neher and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau},
\r\neditor = {Abigail Anne Kressner and Jonathan Regev and Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard and Lisbeth Tranebj\u00e6rg and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau },
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/proceedings.isaar.eu\/index.php\/isaarproc\/article\/view\/2019-32},
\r\nyear = {2020},
\r\ndate = {2020-05-13},
\r\nbooktitle = {Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research},
\r\nvolume = {7},
\r\npages = {281-288},
\r\nabstract = {Currently, the clinical characterization of hearing deficits for hearing-aid fitting is based on the pure-tone audiogram only. This relies on the assumption that the audiogram can predict performance in complex, supra-threshold tasks. Sanchez-Lopez et al. (2018) hypothesized that the hearing deficits of a given listener, both at threshold and supra-threshold levels, result from two independent types of auditory distortions. The authors performed a data-driven analysis of two large datasets with results from several tests, which led to the identification of four auditory profiles. However, the definition of the two types of distortion was challenged by differences between the two datasets in terms of the tests and listeners considered. In the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project, a new dataset was generated with the aim of overcoming these limitations. A heterogeneous group of listeners was tested using measures of speech intelligibility, loudness perception, binaural processing abilities and spectro-temporal resolution. As a consequence, the auditory profiles of Sanchez-Lopez et al. (2018) were refined. The updated auditory profiles, together with the investigation of optimal hearing-aid compensation strategies, are expected to form a solid basis for improved hearing-aid fitting.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {inproceedings}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Wu, Mengfan; Lopez, Raul Sanchez; El-Haj-Ali, Mouhamad; Nielsen, Silje Grini; Fereczkowski, Michal; Dau, Torsten; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Perceptual evaluation of six hearing-aid processing strategies from the perspective of auditory profiling: Insights from the BEAR project<\/a> Inproceedings<\/span> <\/p>

Kressner, Abigail Anne; Regev, Jonathan; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Tranebj\u00e6rg, Lisbeth; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten (Ed.): Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, <\/span>pp. 265-272, <\/span>2020<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@inproceedings{ISAAR2019_WU_print,
\r\ntitle = {Perceptual evaluation of six hearing-aid processing strategies from the perspective of auditory profiling: Insights from the BEAR project},
\r\nauthor = {Mengfan Wu and Raul Sanchez Lopez and Mouhamad El-Haj-Ali and Silje Grini Nielsen and Michal Fereczkowski and Torsten Dau and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Tobias Neher},
\r\neditor = {Abigail Anne Kressner and Jonathan Regev and Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard and Lisbeth Tranebj\u00e6rg and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau },
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/proceedings.isaar.eu\/index.php\/isaarproc\/article\/view\/2019-30},
\r\nyear = {2020},
\r\ndate = {2020-04-08},
\r\nbooktitle = {Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research},
\r\nvolume = {7},
\r\npages = {265-272},
\r\nabstract = {The current study forms part of the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project, which aims at developing new clinical tools for characterizing individual hearing loss and for assessing hearing-aid (HA) benefit. Its purpose was to investigate potential interactions between four auditory profiles and three measures of HA outcome obtained for six HA processing strategies. Measurements were carried out in a realistic noise environment at signal-to-noise ratios that were set based on individual aided speech reception thresholds (SRT50). Speech recognition scores and ratings of overall quality and noise annoyance were collected in two spatial conditions. The stimuli were generated with the help of a HA simulator and presented via headphones to 60 older, habitual HA users who had previously been profiled based on a data-driven approach (Sanchez-Lopez et al., 2019). The four auditory profiles differed significantly in terms of mean aided SRT50 and interacted significantly with the HA processing strategies for speech recognition in one spatial condition. Moreover, the correlation-pattern between the speech recognition scores and subjective ratings differed among the auditory profiles.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {inproceedings}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Fereczkowski, Michal; Neher, Tobias; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten<\/p>

Robust Data-Driven Auditory Profiling Towards Precision Audiology<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Trends in Hearing, <\/span>24 <\/span>, pp. 1-19, <\/span>2020<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{doi:10.1177\/2331216520973539,
\r\ntitle = {Robust Data-Driven Auditory Profiling Towards Precision Audiology},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Michal Fereczkowski and Tobias Neher and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F2331216520973539},
\r\ndoi = {10.1177\/2331216520973539},
\r\nyear = {2020},
\r\ndate = {2020-01-01},
\r\njournal = {Trends in Hearing},
\r\nvolume = {24},
\r\npages = {1-19},
\r\nabstract = {The sources and consequences of a sensorineural hearing loss are diverse. While several approaches have aimed at disentangling the physiological and perceptual consequences of different etiologies, hearing deficit characterization and rehabilitation have been dominated by the results from pure-tone audiometry. Here, we present a novel approach based on data-driven profiling of perceptual auditory deficits that attempts to represent auditory phenomena that are usually hidden by, or entangled with, audibility loss. We hypothesize that the hearing deficits of a given listener, both at hearing threshold and at suprathreshold sound levels, result from two independent types of \u201cauditory distortions.\u201d In this two-dimensional space, four distinct \u201cauditory profiles\u201d can be identified. To test this hypothesis, we gathered a data set consisting of a heterogeneous group of listeners that were evaluated using measures of speech intelligibility, loudness perception, binaural processing abilities, and spectrotemporal resolution. The subsequent analysis revealed that distortion type-I was associated with elevated hearing thresholds at high frequencies and reduced temporal masking release and was significantly correlated with elevated speech reception thresholds in noise. Distortion type-II was associated with low-frequency hearing loss and abnormally steep loudness functions. The auditory profiles represent four robust subpopulations of hearing-impaired listeners that exhibit different degrees of perceptual distortions. The four auditory profiles may provide a valuable basis for improved hearing rehabilitation, for example, through profile-based hearing-aid fitting.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

The sources and consequences of a sensorineural hearing loss are diverse. While several approaches have aimed at disentangling the physiological and perceptual consequences of different etiologies, hearing deficit characterization and rehabilitation have been dominated by the results from pure-tone audiometry. Here, we present a novel approach based on data-driven profiling of perceptual auditory deficits that attempts to represent auditory phenomena that are usually hidden by, or entangled with, audibility loss. We hypothesize that the hearing deficits of a given listener, both at hearing threshold and at suprathreshold sound levels, result from two independent types of \u201cauditory distortions.\u201d In this two-dimensional space, four distinct \u201cauditory profiles\u201d can be identified. To test this hypothesis, we gathered a data set consisting of a heterogeneous group of listeners that were evaluated using measures of speech intelligibility, loudness perception, binaural processing abilities, and spectrotemporal resolution. The subsequent analysis revealed that distortion type-I was associated with elevated hearing thresholds at high frequencies and reduced temporal masking release and was significantly correlated with elevated speech reception thresholds in noise. Distortion type-II was associated with low-frequency hearing loss and abnormally steep loudness functions. The auditory profiles represent four robust subpopulations of hearing-impaired listeners that exhibit different degrees of perceptual distortions. The four auditory profiles may provide a valuable basis for improved hearing rehabilitation, for example, through profile-based hearing-aid fitting.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2019<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Wu, Mengfan; Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; El-Haj-Ali, Mouhamad; Nielsen, Silje; Fereczkowski, Michal; Dau, Torsten; Santurette, Sebasti\u00e9n; Neher, Tobias<\/p>

Assessing the interaction between different auditory profiles and benefit from six hearing aid processing strategies: Insights from the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project<\/a> Inproceedings<\/span> <\/p>

Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress on Acoustics (ICA 2019), Aachen, Germany, Sept 9-13 2019., <\/span>pp. 3849-3856, <\/span>2019<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@inproceedings{ica2019mw,
\r\ntitle = {Assessing the interaction between different auditory profiles and benefit from six hearing aid processing strategies: Insights from the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project},
\r\nauthor = {Mengfan Wu and Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Mouhamad El-Haj-Ali and Silje Nielsen and Michal Fereczkowski and Torsten Dau and Sebasti\u00e9n Santurette and Tobias Neher},
\r\nurl = {http:\/\/pub.dega-akustik.de\/ICA2019\/data\/articles\/000335.pdf},
\r\nyear = {2019},
\r\ndate = {2019-09-11},
\r\nbooktitle = {Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress on Acoustics (ICA 2019), Aachen, Germany, Sept 9-13 2019.},
\r\npages = {3849-3856},
\r\nabstract = {The current study forms part of the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project, which aims at developing and evaluating new clinical tools for individual hearing loss characterization and hearing aid benefit assessment. The purpose of the current study was to assess the interaction between four different auditory profiles and two outcome measures of aided performance obtained for six selected hearing-aid processing strategies (Sanchez-Lopez et al., Euronoise 2018). Sixty older habitual hearing-aid users who participated in the study were previously classified into four auditory profiles based on a data-driven approach (Sanchez-Lopez et al., Trends in Hearing 2018). All stimuli were generated with the help of a hearing aid simulator and presented via headphones. Speech recognition in noise was assessed at fixed signal-to-noise ratios based on individual 50%-correct speech reception thresholds measured in a realistic noise environment. Subjective ratings of overall quality and noise annoyance were measured using a multiple stimulus comparison paradigm. It is hypothesized that the four auditory profiles will have different needs in terms of compensation so perceptual outcomes for the six hearing aid processing strategies are expected to be different.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {inproceedings}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Nielsen, Silje; Ca\u00f1ete, Oscar; Fereczkowski, Michal; Wu, Mengfan; Neher, Tobias; Dau, Torsten; Santurette, Sebasti\u00e9n<\/p>

A Clinical Test Battery for Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR). Towards the prediction of individual auditory deficits and hearing-aid benefit<\/a> Inproceedings<\/span> <\/p>

Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress on Acoustics (ICA 2019), Aachen, Germany, Sept 9-13 2019., <\/span>pp. 3841-3848, <\/span>International Commission of Acoustics <\/span>2019<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@inproceedings{ica2019rsl,
\r\ntitle = {A Clinical Test Battery for Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR). Towards the prediction of individual auditory deficits and hearing-aid benefit},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Silje Nielsen and Oscar Ca\u00f1ete and Michal Fereczkowski and Mengfan Wu and Tobias Neher and Torsten Dau and Sebasti\u00e9n Santurette},
\r\nurl = {http:\/\/pub.dega-akustik.de\/ICA2019\/data\/articles\/000470.pdf},
\r\nyear = {2019},
\r\ndate = {2019-09-11},
\r\nbooktitle = {Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress on Acoustics (ICA 2019), Aachen, Germany, Sept 9-13 2019.},
\r\npages = {3841-3848},
\r\norganization = {International Commission of Acoustics},
\r\nabstract = {One aim of the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project is to define a new clinical profiling tool, a test-battery, for individualized hearing loss characterization. Recently, Sanchez-Lopez et al. (ISAAR 2019) proposed a test battery for hearing deficit characterization. The proposed tests were divided into six categories: audibility, middle-ear analysis, speech perception, binaural-processing abilities, loudness perception, and spectro-temporal resolution. The results of 54 listeners were analyzed using a data-driven approach (Sanchez-Lopez et al., 2018), which provided evidence for the existence of two independent sources of distortion and four different auditory profiles. The classification of the listeners into auditory profiles allows the prediction of the performance of the listeners on different psychoacoustic tasks as well as their expected performance while wearing hearing aids. For the classification, a decision tree with only the most predictive tests is desirable for a correct classification of the listeners. The present study aims to explore the optimal decision tree and to propose a reduced, reliable and time-efficient test battery that can classify listeners into the four auditory profiles in a clinical environment. The clinical test battery will be used in a large-scale study that will help implement a protocol for better hearing rehabilitation.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {inproceedings}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

One aim of the Better hEAring Rehabilitation (BEAR) project is to define a new clinical profiling tool, a test-battery, for individualized hearing loss characterization. Recently, Sanchez-Lopez et al. (ISAAR 2019) proposed a test battery for hearing deficit characterization. The proposed tests were divided into six categories: audibility, middle-ear analysis, speech perception, binaural-processing abilities, loudness perception, and spectro-temporal resolution. The results of 54 listeners were analyzed using a data-driven approach (Sanchez-Lopez et al., 2018), which provided evidence for the existence of two independent sources of distortion and four different auditory profiles. The classification of the listeners into auditory profiles allows the prediction of the performance of the listeners on different psychoacoustic tasks as well as their expected performance while wearing hearing aids. For the classification, a decision tree with only the most predictive tests is desirable for a correct classification of the listeners. The present study aims to explore the optimal decision tree and to propose a reduced, reliable and time-efficient test battery that can classify listeners into the four auditory profiles in a clinical environment. The clinical test battery will be used in a large-scale study that will help implement a protocol for better hearing rehabilitation.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2018<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Lopez, Raul Sanchez; Bianchi, Federica; Fereczkowski, Michal; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten<\/p>

Data-Driven Approach for Auditory Profiling and Characterization of Individual Hearing Loss<\/a> Journal Article<\/span> <\/p>

Trends of Hearing, <\/span>22 <\/span>(ISAAR special issue), <\/span>pp. 1-12, <\/span>2018<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@article{TiH2018a,
\r\ntitle = {Data-Driven Approach for Auditory Profiling and Characterization of Individual Hearing Loss},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez Lopez and Federica Bianchi and Michal Fereczkowski and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau},
\r\nurl = {https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1177\/2331216518807400},
\r\ndoi = {10.1177\/2331216518807400},
\r\nyear = {2018},
\r\ndate = {2018-11-01},
\r\njournal = {Trends of Hearing},
\r\nvolume = {22},
\r\nnumber = {ISAAR special issue},
\r\npages = {1-12},
\r\nabstract = {Pure-tone audiometry still represents the main measure to characterize individual hearing loss and the basis for hearing-aid fitting. However, the perceptual consequences of hearing loss are typically associated not only with a loss of sensitivity but also with a loss of clarity that is not captured by the audiogram. A detailed characterization of a hearing loss may be complex and needs to be simplified to efficiently explore the specific compensation needs of the individual listener. Here, it is hypothesized that any listener\u2019s hearing profile can be characterized along two dimensions of distortion: Type I and Type II. While Type I can be linked to factors affecting audibility, Type II reflects non-audibility-related distortions. To test this hypothesis, the individual performance data from two previous studies were reanalyzed using an unsupervised-learning technique to identify extreme patterns in the data, thus forming the basis for different auditory profiles. Next, a decision tree was determined to classify the listeners into one of the profiles. The analysis provides evidence for the existence of four profiles in the data. The most significant predictors for profile identification were related to binaural processing, auditory nonlinearity, and speech-in-noise perception. This approach could be valuable for analyzing other data sets to select the most relevant tests for auditory profiling and propose more efficient hearing-deficit compensation strategies.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {article}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Pure-tone audiometry still represents the main measure to characterize individual hearing loss and the basis for hearing-aid fitting. However, the perceptual consequences of hearing loss are typically associated not only with a loss of sensitivity but also with a loss of clarity that is not captured by the audiogram. A detailed characterization of a hearing loss may be complex and needs to be simplified to efficiently explore the specific compensation needs of the individual listener. Here, it is hypothesized that any listener\u2019s hearing profile can be characterized along two dimensions of distortion: Type I and Type II. While Type I can be linked to factors affecting audibility, Type II reflects non-audibility-related distortions. To test this hypothesis, the individual performance data from two previous studies were reanalyzed using an unsupervised-learning technique to identify extreme patterns in the data, thus forming the basis for different auditory profiles. Next, a decision tree was determined to classify the listeners into one of the profiles. The analysis provides evidence for the existence of four profiles in the data. The most significant predictors for profile identification were related to binaural processing, auditory nonlinearity, and speech-in-noise perception. This approach could be valuable for analyzing other data sets to select the most relevant tests for auditory profiling and propose more efficient hearing-deficit compensation strategies.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Sanchez-Lopez, Raul; Bianchi, Federica; Fereczkowski, Michal; Piechowiak, Tobias; Hau, Ole; Pedersen, Michael Syskind; Behrens, Thomas; Neher, Tobias; Dau, Torsten; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien<\/p>

Technical evaluation of hearing-aid fitting parameters for different auditory profiles<\/a> Conference<\/span> <\/p>

In Proceedings of Euronoise 2018, Crete, Greece, 27-31 May 2018, pp. 381-388, <\/span>2018<\/span>, ISSN: 2226-5147<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@conference{euronoise2018,
\r\ntitle = {Technical evaluation of hearing-aid fitting parameters for different auditory profiles},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez-Lopez and Federica Bianchi and Michal Fereczkowski and Tobias Piechowiak and Ole Hau and Michael Syskind Pedersen and Thomas Behrens and Tobias Neher and Torsten Dau and S\u00e9bastien Santurette},
\r\nurl = {http:\/\/www.euronoise2018.eu\/component\/contentbuilder\/details\/10\/83\/euronoise-2018-technical-evaluation-of-hearing-aid-fitting-parameters-for-different-auditory-profiles?Itemid=259},
\r\nissn = { 2226-5147},
\r\nyear = {2018},
\r\ndate = {2018-05-30},
\r\nbooktitle = {In Proceedings of Euronoise 2018, Crete, Greece, 27-31 May 2018, pp. 381-388},
\r\nabstract = {Hearing-aid users have reported an increased satisfaction since digital technology and advanced signal processing became available in hearing aids. However, many users still experience difficulties in noisy environments and in complex listening scenarios. Although numerous parameters can be adjusted to provide an individualized hearing solution, hearing-aid fitting currently consists of: 1) the gain prescription and adjustment based on the pure-tone audiogram, 2) the activation of advanced features on-demand, such as beamforming and noise reduction. In a previous study [1], a novel approach for auditory profiling was suggested, where the hearing deficits were characterized according to two types of distortion. This allowed the classification of listeners into four auditory profiles according to a high\/low degree of hearing distortions along the two dimensions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different hearing-aid compensation strategies that may fit the needs of different auditory profiles via technical measures. A hearing-aid simulator, consisting of beamforming, noise reduction, and dynamic range compression, was used to test which parameter spaces and outcome measures may be of interest for a \u201cprofile-based hearing-aid fitting\u201d. The simulator consists of two dummy behind-the-ear hearing aids and off-line sound processing performed on a personal computer. Technical measures, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement, envelope degradation, and a metric of spectral distortions, were used to evaluate the effects of different signal processing strategies on the signal at the output of the simulator. Several parameter settings were evaluated using speech in the presence of various interferers at different SNRs. Here, the results of this technical evaluation are presented and discussed, with a view towards identifying the effective compensation strategies for different auditory profiles.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {conference}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Hearing-aid users have reported an increased satisfaction since digital technology and advanced signal processing became available in hearing aids. However, many users still experience difficulties in noisy environments and in complex listening scenarios. Although numerous parameters can be adjusted to provide an individualized hearing solution, hearing-aid fitting currently consists of: 1) the gain prescription and adjustment based on the pure-tone audiogram, 2) the activation of advanced features on-demand, such as beamforming and noise reduction. In a previous study [1], a novel approach for auditory profiling was suggested, where the hearing deficits were characterized according to two types of distortion. This allowed the classification of listeners into four auditory profiles according to a high\/low degree of hearing distortions along the two dimensions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different hearing-aid compensation strategies that may fit the needs of different auditory profiles via technical measures. A hearing-aid simulator, consisting of beamforming, noise reduction, and dynamic range compression, was used to test which parameter spaces and outcome measures may be of interest for a \u201cprofile-based hearing-aid fitting\u201d. The simulator consists of two dummy behind-the-ear hearing aids and off-line sound processing performed on a personal computer. Technical measures, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement, envelope degradation, and a metric of spectral distortions, were used to evaluate the effects of different signal processing strategies on the signal at the output of the simulator. Several parameter settings were evaluated using speech in the presence of various interferers at different SNRs. Here, the results of this technical evaluation are presented and discussed, with a view towards identifying the effective compensation strategies for different auditory profiles.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2017<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Lopez, Raul Sanchez; Bianchi, Federica; Fereczkowski, Michal; Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten<\/p>

Data-driven approach for auditory profiling<\/a> Inproceedings<\/span> <\/p>

Santurette, S\u00e9bastien; Dau, Torsten; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Tranebj\u00e6rg, Lisbeth; Poulsen, Torben (Ed.): Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research: Vol. 6: Adaptive Processes in Hearing, <\/span>pp. 247-254, <\/span>The Danavox Jubilee Foundation, <\/span>2017<\/span>, ISBN: 978-87-990013-6-1<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@inproceedings{820875598dff4bf4b7060bb84277a3b8,
\r\ntitle = {Data-driven approach for auditory profiling},
\r\nauthor = {Raul Sanchez Lopez and Federica Bianchi and Michal Fereczkowski and S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau},
\r\neditor = {S\u00e9bastien Santurette and Torsten Dau and Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard and Lisbeth Tranebj\u00e6rg and Torben Poulsen},
\r\nurl = {http:\/\/orbit.dtu.dk\/files\/140683531\/ISAAR17_rsalo.pdf},
\r\nisbn = {978-87-990013-6-1},
\r\nyear = {2017},
\r\ndate = {2017-01-01},
\r\nbooktitle = {Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research: Vol. 6: Adaptive Processes in Hearing},
\r\npages = {247-254},
\r\npublisher = {The Danavox Jubilee Foundation},
\r\nabstract = {Nowadays, the pure-tone audiogram is the main tool used to characterizehearing loss and to fit hearing aids. However, the perceptual consequencesof hearing loss are typically not only associated with a loss of sensitivity, butalso with a clarity loss that is not captured by the audiogram. A detailedcharacterization of hearing loss has to be simplified to efficiently explore thespecific compensation needs of the individual listener. We hypothesized thatany listener\u2019s hearing can be characterized along two dimensions of distortion:type I and type II. While type I can be linked to factors affecting audibility,type II reflects non-audibility-related distortions. To test our hypothesis,the individual performance data from two previous studies were re-analyzedusing an archetypal analysis. Unsupervised learning was used to identifyextreme patterns in the data which form the basis for different auditoryprofiles. Next, a decision tree was determined to classify the listeners intoone of the profiles. The new analysis provides evidence for the existenceof four profiles in the data. The most significant predictors for profileidentification were related to binaural processing, auditory non-linearity andspeech-in-noise perception. The current approach is promising for analyzingother existing data sets in order to select the most relevant tests for auditoryprofiling.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {inproceedings}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Nowadays, the pure-tone audiogram is the main tool used to characterizehearing loss and to fit hearing aids. However, the perceptual consequencesof hearing loss are typically not only associated with a loss of sensitivity, butalso with a clarity loss that is not captured by the audiogram. A detailedcharacterization of hearing loss has to be simplified to efficiently explore thespecific compensation needs of the individual listener. We hypothesized thatany listener\u2019s hearing can be characterized along two dimensions of distortion:type I and type II. While type I can be linked to factors affecting audibility,type II reflects non-audibility-related distortions. To test our hypothesis,the individual performance data from two previous studies were re-analyzedusing an archetypal analysis. Unsupervised learning was used to identifyextreme patterns in the data which form the basis for different auditoryprofiles. Next, a decision tree was determined to classify the listeners intoone of the profiles. The new analysis provides evidence for the existenceof four profiles in the data. The most significant predictors for profileidentification were related to binaural processing, auditory non-linearity andspeech-in-noise perception. The current approach is promising for analyzingother existing data sets in order to select the most relevant tests for auditoryprofiling.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

\r\n

2016<\/h3>\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>

Sanchez, Raul H; Dau, Torsten<\/p>

Modeling spectro - temporal modulation perception in normal - hearing listeners<\/a> Inproceedings<\/span> <\/p>

Proceedings of Inter-Noise 2016, Hamburg, Germany, August 21-24, 2018, <\/span>pp. 1729-1740, <\/span>2016<\/span>.<\/p>

Abstract<\/a><\/span> | Links<\/a><\/span> | BibTeX<\/a><\/span><\/p>

@inproceedings{7eefad4dd8644766af1393e54a034dc1,
\r\ntitle = {Modeling spectro - temporal modulation perception in normal - hearing listeners},
\r\nauthor = {Raul H. Sanchez and Torsten Dau},
\r\nurl = {http:\/\/pub.dega-akustik.de\/IN2016\/data\/articles\/000953.pdf},
\r\nyear = {2016},
\r\ndate = {2016-08-24},
\r\nbooktitle = {Proceedings of Inter-Noise 2016, Hamburg, Germany, August 21-24, 2018},
\r\npages = {1729-1740},
\r\nabstract = {Current clinical methods determine 2 f1 \u2212 f2 distortion product oto-acoustic emission (DPAOE)
\r\nlevels at discrete frequencies, and often only at the audiometric standard frequencies in order
\r\nto save time. The measured result is known to be a superposition of at least two components,
\r\nthe generator component originating from a region around the primary f2, and the reflection
\r\ncomponent from the 2 f1 \u2212 f2 site. Distinct interference patterns in high resolution DPOAE data
\r\nreveal that these two components can be of similar magnitude, and periodically cancel each
\r\nother entirely. When measurements are made at only few frequencies, there is a risk to find one
\r\nor more low amplitude measurement, even in a healthy ear with otherwise high emissions. In
\r\nthe present study, data from previous studies measured with a high frequency resolution is used
\r\nfor simulating a better use of measurements at and around the audiometric frequency. A \u201dlocal\u201d
\r\nmodel of the two component superposition is applied, and the trade-off between measurement
\r\ntime, and robustness of the measure is discussed.},
\r\nkeywords = {},
\r\npubstate = {published},
\r\ntppubtype = {inproceedings}
\r\n}
\r\n<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>

Current clinical methods determine 2 f1 \u2212 f2 distortion product oto-acoustic emission (DPAOE)
\r\nlevels at discrete frequencies, and often only at the audiometric standard frequencies in order
\r\nto save time. The measured result is known to be a superposition of at least two components,
\r\nthe generator component originating from a region around the primary f2, and the reflection
\r\ncomponent from the 2 f1 \u2212 f2 site. Distinct interference patterns in high resolution DPOAE data
\r\nreveal that these two components can be of similar magnitude, and periodically cancel each
\r\nother entirely. When measurements are made at only few frequencies, there is a risk to find one
\r\nor more low amplitude measurement, even in a healthy ear with otherwise high emissions. In
\r\nthe present study, data from previous studies measured with a high frequency resolution is used
\r\nfor simulating a better use of measurements at and around the audiometric frequency. A \u201dlocal\u201d
\r\nmodel of the two component superposition is applied, and the trade-off between measurement
\r\ntime, and robustness of the measure is discussed.<\/div>

Close<\/a><\/p><\/div>