Auditory Processing: Pulling Signals Out of Noise

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

This project aims to better understand the relationship between the response of the earliest nerve cells in the ear and the way that we hear sounds. The responses of these nerve cells can now be described rather completely using computer models. Therefore, we can ask whether the absolute limits of how well we can hear the differences between two slightly different sounds is a) limited by these nerve cells, or b) limited by the way the brain processes their responses. We will then go on to study the responses of the second level of nerve cells in the brain. The responses of these cells tell us how the brain takes the first step towards processing, and ultimately understanding, complex sounds. All of our experiments start with simple sounds in a quiet background, but then we go on to test our ideas with sounds that are presented in a noisy background. Hearing sounds in a noisy environment is the most difficult problem for the hard of hearing. A better understanding of exactly how the brain extracts information from sounds and 'makes sense' of it will aid us in the development of better hearing aids.