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Title: Optimizing Hearing Aid Algorithms: Effects of Environment, Algorithm Settings, and Listener Hearing Profiles on Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Presenter: Dr. Donghyeon Yun, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

Abstract: Hearing loss is the third most common health condition in the United States, affecting millions and significantly impacting communication, education, career opportunities, and the economy. Hearing aids are a widely used solution, including features such as the wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) algorithm. WDRC adjusts amplification based on the intensity of incoming sounds, amplifying softer sounds to enhance audibility while preventing louder sounds from becoming uncomfortably loud. However, this algorithm may cause distortions and degrade the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at its output, potentially compromising speech clarity and sound quality. Understanding how hearing aid algorithms, such as WDRC, affect distortion and SNR across various listening conditions is crucial, as these factors play a key role in speech understanding and sound quality. This knowledge could guide the development of personalized algorithm settings optimized for various listening conditions. Previous studies have attempted to estimate output SNR through "reverse engineering" of proprietary algorithms in real hearing aids, while others have relied on computer simulations. However, reverse engineering may produce inaccurate SNR estimations, and computer simulations often lack the customization needed for individual hearing profiles and acoustic effects. This talk will provide general background, address these challenges and propose a potential solution.

Bio: Dr. Donghyeon Yun is an audiologist and hearing scientist with expertise in psychoacoustics, hearing assistive technology, and digital signal processing. He earned his AuD and PhD degrees from Indiana University Bloomington and completed his AuD externship in the Hearing Research Program at the Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a full-time audiologist at the Konkuk University Medical Center in South Korea.

Dr. Yun’s research focuses on evaluating and developing hearing technologies to improve speech perception for individuals with hearing loss who use hearing assistive devices. His current work includes measuring the relative contributions of distortion and output signal-to-noise ratios to speech intelligibility and sound quality preferences in listeners with hearing loss. He is also investigating the relationship between listening effort and speech recognition in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. He is passionate about helping individuals with communication disorders related to speech perception and those who face challenges in fully enjoying sound.