Development of orientation skills for listening to speech in noise
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of orientation skills for listening to speech in noise
IRAS ID
222656
Contact name
Michael Akeroyd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN00000000
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
In this study we will investigate the primary hypothesis that localisation and orientation abilities play an important role in children’s listening in noise capacity. The study will help to map developmental trajectory of typically developing children and compare that with rate of development of orientation and localisation abilities in children with suspected Auditory Processing Disorder.\n\nListening to speech in a noisy environment can be challenging. Adopting a different head orientation, by turning or tilting the head, can alter the levels of signal and noise in a way that may be beneficial for listening. The optimum head orientation for a noisy environment will vary depending upon the locations of the signal and noise. Listeners do not always utilise the most beneficial head orientations, suggesting the use of head orientations is a complex skill.\n\nI will look at how children listen in noisy environments such as a classroom; where although it is so important that they can hear their teachers clearly, the amount of noise often present is not conducive to good communication and learning.\nMany children experience listening difficulties which can hold them back socially and educationally. In this research I will be exploring whether children with listening difficulties are unable to orient to sounds and access the spatial cues which are necessary for successfully listening to speech in noise. I will also consider if there are physiological, cognitive or social aspects to the use of these skills, as deficits in these areas could cause a child to experience listening difficulties in noise.\n\nThis project may help improve understanding of auditory processing disorder, which could in the long term lead to better diagnosis and habilitation of children with auditory processing disorder. This would help improve their educational outcomes and ability to socialise, leading to a better quality of life. \n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0390
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion