Hearing speech in music

Ekström, Seth-Reino; Borg, Erik

doi:10.4103/1463-1741.82960

Cited by 13 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 20 publications

(25 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…A masker’s rhythmic properties seem to influence speech perception. Ekström and Borg (2011) investigated the masking effect of a piano composition, played at 60, 120, or 180 BPM, on speech perception thresholds. All masking sounds were presented at an equivalent sound level (50 dBA).…”

Section: Predictable Noisementioning

confidence: 99%

Self-generated sounds of locomotion and ventilation and the evolution of human rhythmic abilities

Larsson

2013

Anim Cogn

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

It has been suggested that the basic building blocks of music mimic sounds of moving humans, and because the brain was primed to exploit such sounds, they eventually became incorporated in human culture. However, that raises further questions. Why do genetically close, culturally well-developed apes lack musical abilities? Did our switch to bipedalism influence the origins of music? Four hypotheses are raised: (1) Human locomotion and ventilation can mask critical sounds in the environment. (2) Synchronization of locomotion reduces that problem. (3) Predictable sounds of locomotion may stimulate the evolution of synchronized behavior. (4) Bipedal gait and the associated sounds of locomotion influenced the evolution of human rhythmic abilities. Theoretical models and research data suggest that noise of locomotion and ventilation may mask critical auditory information. People often synchronize steps subconsciously. Human locomotion is likely to produce more predictable sounds than those of non-human primates. Predictable locomotion sounds may have improved our capacity of entrainment to external rhythms and to feel the beat in music. A sense of rhythm could aid the brain in distinguishing among sounds arising from discrete sources and also help individuals to synchronize their movements with one another. Synchronization of group movement may improve perception by providing periods of relative silence and by facilitating auditory processing. The adaptive value of such skills to early ancestors may have been keener detection of prey or stalkers and enhanced communication. Bipedal walking may have influenced the development of entrainment in humans and thereby the evolution of rhythmic abilities.

show abstract

Section: Predictable Noisementioning

confidence: 99%

Self-generated sounds of locomotion and ventilation and the evolution of human rhythmic abilities

Larsson

2013

Anim Cogn

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Even though these uses of background music are intended to enhance a mood or proffer additional communication regarding the situation, it is nevertheless a competing acoustic signal which can mask or interfere with reception of the target speaker. To date, however, few studies have examined the challenges of speech perception in background music; some studies have focused on NH or hearing impaired listeners with conventional hearing aid users and several studies are comprised of survey data with self-report 12–14 . Additional data on perceptual accuracy with real-world background music would help illuminate the auditory capabilities of CI recipients in this common everyday listening environment.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Accuracy of Cochlear Implant Recipients in Speech Reception in the Presence of Background Music

Gfeller

Turner²,

Oleson³

et al. 2012

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objectives This study (a) examined speech recognition abilities of cochlear implant (CI) recipients in the spectrally complex listening condition of three contrasting types of background music, and (b) compared performance based upon listener groups: CI recipients using conventional long-electrode (LE) devices, Hybrid CI recipients (acoustic plus electric stimulation), and normal-hearing (NH) adults. Methods We tested 154 LE CI recipients using varied devices and strategies, 21 Hybrid CI recipients, and 49 NH adults on closed-set recognition of spondees presented in three contrasting forms of background music (piano solo, large symphony orchestra, vocal solo with small combo accompaniment) in an adaptive test. Outcomes Signal-to-noise thresholds for speech in music (SRTM) were examined in relation to measures of speech recognition in background noise and multi-talker babble, pitch perception, and music experience. Results SRTM thresholds varied as a function of category of background music, group membership (LE, Hybrid, NH), and age. Thresholds for speech in background music were significantly correlated with measures of pitch perception and speech in background noise thresholds; auditory status was an important predictor. Conclusions Evidence suggests that speech reception thresholds in background music change as a function of listener age (with more advanced age being detrimental), structural characteristics of different types of music, and hearing status (residual hearing). These findings have implications for everyday listening conditions such as communicating in social or commercial situations in which there is background music.

show abstract

“…The tests were performed in an anechoic chamber (3 m L × 3.4 m W × 2.4 m H) at the Audiological Research Center, Örebro, Sweden. [ 25 26 ] The masking sound (footsteps) and the target sound (reader's continuous speech) were presented through the same speaker, which was situated 1.83 m in front of the subject.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The JFC method was used in preference to conventional speech-recognition threshold measures because it is more quickly performed and has greater face validity. [ 25 ] This was an advantage in light of the number of threshold determinations ( n = 16) needed in the study design. Calibration of the level of the masker and the test sound was conducted using a Brüel och Kjaer Pulse meter system with the microphone: B&K 4191, Frontend: B&K 3160 and the software: B&K Pulse version 17.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of sounds of locomotion on speech perception

Larsson

Ekström²,

Ranjbar³

2015

Noise Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Human locomotion typically creates noise, a possible consequence of which is the masking of sound signals originating in the surroundings. When walking side by side, people often subconsciously synchronize their steps. The neurophysiological and evolutionary background of this behavior is unclear. The present study investigated the potential of sound created by walking to mask perception of speech and compared the masking produced by walking in step with that produced by unsynchronized walking. The masking sound (footsteps on gravel) and the target sound (speech) were presented through the same speaker to 15 normal-hearing subjects. The original recorded walking sound was modified to mimic the sound of two individuals walking in pace or walking out of synchrony. The participants were instructed to adjust the sound level of the target sound until they could just comprehend the speech signal (“just follow conversation” or JFC level) when presented simultaneously with synchronized or unsynchronized walking sound at 40 dBA, 50 dBA, 60 dBA, or 70 dBA. Synchronized walking sounds produced slightly less masking of speech than did unsynchronized sound. The median JFC threshold in the synchronized condition was 38.5 dBA, while the corresponding value for the unsynchronized condition was 41.2 dBA. Combined results at all sound pressure levels showed an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for synchronized footsteps; the median difference was 2.7 dB and the mean difference was 1.2 dB [P < 0.001, repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA)]. The difference was significant for masker levels of 50 dBA and 60 dBA, but not for 40 dBA or 70 dBA. This study provides evidence that synchronized walking may reduce the masking potential of footsteps.

show abstract

Hearing speech in music

Cited by 13 publications

References 20 publications

Self-generated sounds of locomotion and ventilation and the evolution of human rhythmic abilities

Self-generated sounds of locomotion and ventilation and the evolution of human rhythmic abilities

Accuracy of Cochlear Implant Recipients in Speech Reception in the Presence of Background Music

Effects of sounds of locomotion on speech perception

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About