Seminars in Hearing Research

Date:  Thursday, April 16, 2026

Location: SMTH 208

Time: 12:00-1:00pm

Speaker: Joshua Alexander, Associate Professor, SLHS

Title: Single Microphone Noise Reduction with Deep Neural Network Processing and the Dual-Sentence Paradigm.

Abstract:Advances in artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming modern hearing aid technology, enabling more sophisticated, adaptive signal processing than ever before. Among these innovations, deep neural network (DNN)–based noise reduction has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in complex listening environments, a challenge that hearing aid users face. This talk will provide a high-level overview of how AI-driven processing is being integrated into hearing aids, with a particular focus on single-microphone DNN noise reduction. Emphasis will be placed on the potential real-world implications for end users, including improved access to speech in noise and the broader impact on communication outcomes. To evaluate these effects, the talk will highlight the dual-sentence paradigm, a behavioral approach that simultaneously assesses speech intelligibility and cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and executive function. This paradigm provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding how signal processing influences not only what listeners hear but also how they process and retain auditory information. Finally, the seminar will discuss key methodological and practical challenges encountered in this line of work, including the complexities of evaluating fixed SNR conditions, interpreting listener variability, and isolating the contributions of signal processing to both perceptual and cognitive outcomes. Example datasets spanning multiple DNN configurations and SNR conditions will be referenced to illustrate these challenges and the ongoing efforts to address them.

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The working schedule is available here: https://purdue.edu/TPAN/hearing/shrp_schedule

The titles and abstracts of the talks will be added here: https://engineering.purdue.edu/TPAN/hearing/shrp_abstracts