Research Scientist
Sensimetrics Corp
Somerville, MA
Sensimetrics staff website
profile date: sep '05
My thesis research focused on improving speech reception in noise for cochlear implant users. Noise reduction for the hearing impaired in general, and for cochlear implant (CI) users in particular, is a considerable problem because speech reception in noise is much poorer for the hearing impaired and cochlear implant users than it is for normal hearing listeners.
My thesis work has flourished in two natural directions. First, the noise reduction algorithms considered in my thesis clearly showed benefits for CI users. I am therefore working towards developing real-time prototypes and establishing ties with cochlear implant manufacturers towards integrating our ideas within their systems. On the second front, I have continued developing a speech reception model to be able to predict variability in performance across CI users. Such an adaptation will allow us to tailor sound-processing and noise reduction algorithms to an individual listener.
The SHBT program allows students to develop a breadth of knowledge in all areas of the speech and hearing sciences before developing the depth and expertise needed to be a leading researcher. My own success in developing noise reduction strategies for cochlear implants capitalizes on an underlying knowledge of psychoacoustics, physiology, neuro-anatomy, signal processing, and phonetic analysis of speech. In particular, understanding the detailed mechanisms underlying binaural hearing and enhanced frequency resolution has allowed me to develop algorithms aimed at compensating for these losses in the hearing impaired populations.
