Array signal processing with two outputs preserving binaural information

A new type of array signal processing combined with a weighted least squares algorithm to enable two-channel output with binaural information is proposed in this paper. This algorithm may be effective for use in a binaural hearing aid because the interaural relationship can be preserved after array signal processing. Retaining spatial information on specified directions while sufficiently suppressing unnecessary ambient noise coming from directions other than those of target sounds is required for this type of algorithm. In order to satisfy these two simultaneous requirements, the proposed algorithm was derived from a constraint algorithm by employing the weighted least squares algorithm. Performance in directivity patterns as well as interaural time difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD) were evaluated. Computer simulations showed that this algorithm yields robust performance in various conditions compared with array signal processing based on a constraint algorithm.     

Physiopathological function of hematoside (GM3 ganglioside)

Since I was involved in the molecular cloning of GM3 synthase (SAT-I), which is the primary enzyme for the biosynthesis of gangliosides in 1998, my research group has been concentrating on our efforts to explore the physiological and pathological implications of gangliosides especially for GM3. During the course of study, we demonstrated the molecular pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance focusing on the interaction between insulin receptor and gangliosides in membrane microdomains and propose a new concept: Life style-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, are a membrane microdomain disorder caused by aberrant expression of gangliosides. We also encountered an another interesting aspect indicating the indispensable role of gangliosides in auditory system. After careful behavioral examinations of SAT-I knockout mice, their hearing ability was seriously impaired with selective degeneration of the stereocilia of hair cells in the organ of Corti. This is the first observation demonstrating a direct link between gangliosides and hearing functions.     

Speech endpoint detection in low-SNRs environment based on perception spectrogram structure boundary parameter

The Perception Spectrogram Structure Boundary（PSSB）parameter is proposed for speech endpoint detection as a preprocess of speech or speaker recognition.At first a hearing perception speech enhancement is carried out.Then the two-dimensional enhancement is performed upon the sound spectrogram according to the difference between the determinacy distribution characteristic of speech and the random distribution characteristic of noise.Finally a decision for endpoint was made by the PSSB parameter.Experimental results show that,in a low SNR environment from-10 dB to 10 dB,the algorithm proposed in this paper may achieve higher accuracy than the extant endpoint detection algorithms.The detection accuracy of 75.2%can be reached even in the extremely low SNR at-10 dB.Therefore it is suitable for speech endpoint detection in low-SNRs environment.     

Hearing conservation programs in selected metal fabrication industries

Noise is an undesired sound that cannot be ignored. Hearing loss caused by industrial noise has been recognized for many years, and protection of employee hearing has been made mandatory by governmental agencies. This paper presents an investigation of ongoing hearing conservation programs (HCP) in selected metal fabrication industries in the state of Tennessee and the effects of these programs on employees’ health and safety. A questionnaire has been used to collect data for this study. The questionnaire was send to 65 metal fabrication industries (MFI) which have populations of over 100 employees. The response rate was 70.77%. The majority of industries surveyed had noise problems in their plants. Hearing conservation programs are a necessity to protect employees’ health and safety in metal fabrication industries in Tennessee.     

增强3D-FLAIR特征对突发性感音神经性听力损失患者预后的预测价值

本文探讨了增强内耳磁共振三维快速液体衰减反转恢复序列(3D-FLAIR)特征对突发性感音神经性听力损失(SNHL)患者预后的预测价值。以89例单耳SNHL患者为研究对象,所有患者均行3D-FLAIR检查并统计相关资料,且在完整周期治疗后均进行为期6个月的随访。结果显示,在完成随访的87例患者中,预后良好64例,预后不良23例。预后良好患者的纯音测听阈平均值(PTA)、水成像扫描膜迷路结构异常占比均显著低于预后不良患者,而两组患者3D-FLAIR扫描结果也存在显著差异(P<0.05)。PTA、3D-FLAIR扫描信号是影响SNHL患者预后的独立因素。PTA、3D-FLAIR及二者联合对患者预后均有较好的预测价值(P<0.05)。联合检测的AUC显著大于PTA和3D-FLAIR,约登指数高于PTA和3D-FLAIR。表明3D-FLAIR对于SNHL患者预后具有一定的预测效能,但仍需联合其他有效的检测方式进一步提升判断SNHL患者预后的效果。     

Cochlear Synaptopathy Following Noise Exposure in Guinea Pigs: Its Electrophysiological and Histological Assessments

Exposure to high level of noise, may cause the permanent cochlear synaptic degeneration. In present study, a model of noise induced cochlear synaptopathy was established and the electrophysiological and histological metrics for its assessment was designed. 6 guinea pigs were subjected to a synaptopathic noise (octave band of 4 kHz at 104 dB SPL, for 2-h). The amplitude growth curve of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) wave-I and wave-III latency shift in presence of noise were calculated. These indexes were considered in pre-exposure, 1 day post exposure (1DPE), 1 week post exposure (1WPE) and 1 month post exposure (1MPE) to noise. Finally, the samples were histologically analyzed. ABR wave-I amplitude was different between pre and 1DPE (p-value ≤ 0.05). However, at 1WPE, it was recovered at low intensities but at 70 dB SPL and above, the differences persisted even till 1MPE. In masked ABR, the latency shift of wave-III was different between pre and 3 post exposure assessments (p-value ≤ 0.05). Electro-microscopic analysis confirmed the synaptic degeneration, as the ribbons were larger than normal, hollow inside, and spherical and irregular in shape, also, the post synaptic density was abnormally thick and missed its flat orientation. These data revealed that noise at level below that can produce permanent hearing loss, can incur synaptic injury. So, noise is considered to be more damaging than previously thought. Accordingly, designing tools for clinical assessment of synaptopathy is beneficial in comprehensive auditory evaluation of those with history of noise exposure and also in hearing protection planning.     

骨导振子佩戴位置对重放声的影响

骨导振子佩戴位置会影响骨传导声重放的性能,但已有研究还不够全面和完善.针对11名双耳听力正常的受试者,采取不同的骨导振子佩戴位置,对骨传导声重放在听力阈值、主观音质评价和语言清晰度3个方面进行了研究.实验结果表明不同的佩戴位置会影响骨传导声重放性能,髁骨位置在3个实验都表现最好,髁骨的听力阈值比乳突位置平均低8.7 d...     

Application of the BASNEF Model in Safety Training in Automobile Manufacturing Plants

After controls, including engineering and management, the final way to control noise is to use hearing protection devices. Due to the lack of a standardized questionnaire regarding investigating workers’ use of hearing protection devices on the basis of the BASNEF behavioral model, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of health education based on the BASNEF model on the use of hearing protection devices in workers of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This quasi-experimental and prospective intervention study was performed on 80 workers at an automobile manufacturing plant who are exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels and do not use hearing protection devices. In this study, 40 people working in a cast iron foundry were selected as the intervention group, and 40 working in aluminum casting were chosen as the control group. Questionnaires were analyzed at the beginning of the intervention and three months after the intervention in the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups before the intervention. There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups after the intervention in the area of knowledge. A significant correlation was observed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention program in all areas of the BASNEF educational model except behavioral intention. In this study, the effect of educational intervention on the use of hearing protection devices was investigated, and with the educational intervention, it was tried to get help from influential people and enabling factors in education based on the BASNEF model. The results showed that the educational intervention based on the BASNEF model can improve the knowledge of individuals in both the intervention and control groups.     

分析滚动轴承部分油膜润滑状态的两种计算模型

油膜压降法是应用于滚动轴承部分油膜润滑状态测试的简单而有效的方法。本文根据接触表面的形貌参数及其高度的概率密度函数给出了两种计算油膜压降比与油膜厚度关系的模型——接触电阻模型和接触率模型,并将其计算结果与试验结果进行了对比,发现当油膜较厚而接触峰数很少时,接触率模型的计算值与实测值吻合得较好;在部分油腆较薄而接触峰数很多的情况下,接触电阻模型的计算值比较符合于实测值。     

听觉障碍患者的空间听觉*

空间听觉是对声音空间属性或特性的主观感觉,包括对声源的定位、对环境反射声的主观感觉等。复杂声学环境下的语言获取也和空间听觉密切相关。听觉障碍通常会包括空间听觉能力的下降甚至缺失,影响语言的获取能力。人工听觉是治疗听觉障碍的手段,理想情况下应能恢复或改善患者的空间听觉能力。该文综述了听觉障碍患者的空间听觉及其人工恢复方面的研究、进展及存在的问题。