Abstract
In this study, we propose a novel estimate of listening effort using electroencephalographic data. This method is a translation of our past findings, gained from the evoked electroencephalographic activity, to the oscillatory EEG activity. To test this technique, electroencephalographic data from experienced hearing aid users with moderate hearing loss were recorded, wearing hearing aids. The investigated hearing aid settings were: a directional microphone combined with a noise reduction algorithm in a medium and a strong setting, the noise reduction setting turned off, and a setting using omnidirectional microphones without any noise reduction. The results suggest that the electroencephalographic estimate of listening effort seems to be a useful tool to map the exerted effort of the participants. In addition, the results indicate that a directional processing mode can reduce the listening effort in multitalker listening situations.
Highlights
In this study, we propose a novel estimate of listening effort using electroencephalographic data
The investigated hearing aid settings were: a directional microphone combined with a noise reduction algorithm in a medium and a strong setting, the noise reduction setting turned off, and a setting using omnidirectional microphones without any noise reduction
We have presented in this study a novel electroencephalographic method to estimate listening effort using ongoing EEG data
Summary
We propose a novel estimate of listening effort using electroencephalographic data. Compared to the pure physiological, passive process of hearing which enables access to the auditory system, listening requires mental effort and the allocation of attentional as well as cognitive resources (Hicks and Tharpe 2002; Kiessling et al 2003; Hornsby 2013). This goal-directed attentional effort can be considered as a means to support the optimization of cognitive processes (Sarter et al 2006). Further indications of listening effort, for example the pupil response (Zekveld et al 2010; Goldwater 1972) and the galvanic skin response (Mackersie and Cones 2011) have been investigated
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