Modeling Binaural Unmasking of Speech Using a Blind Binaural Processing Stage
| Autor: | Christopher F. Hauth, Simon C Berning, Thomas Brand, Birger Kollmeier |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Computer science
auditory model speech intelligibility prediction Speech recognition Equalization (audio) Signal-To-Noise Ratio 01 natural sciences Speech in noise 03 medical and health sciences Speech and Hearing 0302 clinical medicine 0103 physical sciences Masking level speech recognition thresholds Humans 030223 otorhinolaryngology binaural processing 010301 acoustics Binaural processing Speech Intelligibility Otorhinolaryngology Computer Science::Sound Speech Perception Original Article Stage (hydrology) Noise Binaural recording Perceptual Masking |
| Zdroj: | Trends in Hearing |
| ISSN: | 2331-2165 |
| Popis: | The equalization cancellation model is often used to predict the binaural masking level difference. Previously its application to speech in noise has required separate knowledge about the speech and noise signals to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Here, a novel, blind equalization cancellation model is introduced that can use the mixed signals. This approach does not require any assumptions about particular sound source directions. It uses different strategies for positive and negative SNRs, with the switching between the two steered by a blind decision stage utilizing modulation cues. The output of the model is a single-channel signal with enhanced SNR, which we analyzed using the speech intelligibility index to compare speech intelligibility predictions. In a first experiment, the model was tested on experimental data obtained in a scenario with spatially separated target and masker signals. Predicted speech recognition thresholds were in good agreement with measured speech recognition thresholds with a root mean square error less than 1 dB. A second experiment investigated signals at positive SNRs, which was achieved using time compressed and low-pass filtered speech. The results demonstrated that binaural unmasking of speech occurs at positive SNRs and that the modulation-based switching strategy can predict the experimental results. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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