Past Research Projects

 

Information about research projects at NAL dating back to 1998 can be found in the National Acoustic Laboratories Research & Development Annual Reports.

Hearing Assessment


The assessment of hearing underpins much of the work of NAL. The characteristics of hearing loss must be well understood so that appropriate rehabilitation devices can be designed. Hearing aid fitting procedures are most commonly based on the degree and type of loss. Prevention of hearing loss is most effectively carried out if damage to the cochlea can be detected at the earliest stage of deterioration.


Some recently completed projects include:

  • Listening in Spatialized Noise - Sentences Test (LISN-S)
    The Listening in Spatialized Noise - Sentences test was designed to assess the ability of children with suspected (central) auditory processing disorder ((C)APD) to understand speech when there is background noise present. Read More >
  • LiSN-S bilateral and unilateral hearing loss study
    Using the LiSN-S test, to investigate the incidence of auditory processing disorder in children and adults with a confirmed binaural or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Detection of CAEPs in Adults Using Filtered Speech Stimuli
    Aims to determine the extent to which changing the frequency response of a hearing aid affects the audibility and cortical responses for selected speech sounds. Read More >
  • Sensitivity/Specificity of CAEPs in Infants
    Aims to investigate the relationship between the presence of cortical potentials (as estimated by an automated statistical analysis tool) and the audibility of stimuli (as determined behaviourally) in infants. Read More >
  • Telscreen
    Aims to develop a telephone test of hearing that is independent of the language people speak. Read More >
  • Audiometry in Noise
    Aims to investigate methods of improving audiometric hearing assessment accuracy in the presence of background noise. Read more > To view a presentation on this project including data on maximum permissible ambient noise levels and bone conduction correction factors, Click here >