• 수산해양교육연구
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.341-348
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• 2013

The auditory thresholds for 7 specimens of the sharp toothed eel Muraensox cinerus were measured at 5 frequencies by heartbeat conditioning method using pure tones coupled with a delayed electric shock. The audible range of the sharp toothed eel extended from 80Hz to 300Hz with the best sensitivity around 80Hz and 100Hz. In addition, the auditory thresholds over 200Hz increased rapidly. The mean auditory thresholds of the sharp toothed eel at the test frequencies of 80Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz and 300Hz were 87dB, 86dB, 105dB and 126dB, respectively. Auditory masking was determined for the sharp toothed eel by using masking stimuli with the spectrum level range of about 70~80dB (0dB re $1{\mu}Pa/\sqrt{Hz}$). According to white noise level, the auditory thresholds increased as compared with thresholds in a quiet background noise. The noise spectrum level at the start of masking was distributed at the range of about 64dB within 80~100Hz. Critical ratio ranged from minimum 24dB to maximum 40dB at test frequencies of 80Hz~200Hz.

• 대한청각학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.180-190
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• 2020

Background and Objectives: Although many studies have evaluated the effect of the digital noise reduction (DNR) algorithm of hearing aids (HAs) on speech recognition, there are few studies on the effect of DNR on music perception. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of DNR on music, in addition to speech perception, using objective and subjective measurements. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen HA users participated in this study (58.00±10.44 years; 3 males and 13 females). The objective assessment of speech and music perception was based on the Korean version of the Clinical Assessment of Music Perception test and word and sentence recognition scores. Meanwhile, for the subjective assessment, the quality rating of speech and music as well as self-reported HA benefits were evaluated. Results: There was no improvement conferred with DNR of HAs on the objective assessment tests of speech and music perception. The pitch discrimination at 262 Hz in the DNR-off condition was better than that in the unaided condition (p=0.024); however, the unaided condition and the DNR-on conditions did not differ. In the Korean music background questionnaire, responses regarding ease of communication were better in the DNR-on condition than in the DNR-off condition (p=0.029). Conclusions: Speech and music perception or sound quality did not improve with the activation of DNR. However, DNR positively influenced the listener's subjective listening comfort. The DNR-off condition in HAs may be beneficial for pitch discrimination at some frequencies.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.180-190
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• 2020

Background and Objectives: Although many studies have evaluated the effect of the digital noise reduction (DNR) algorithm of hearing aids (HAs) on speech recognition, there are few studies on the effect of DNR on music perception. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of DNR on music, in addition to speech perception, using objective and subjective measurements. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen HA users participated in this study (58.00±10.44 years; 3 males and 13 females). The objective assessment of speech and music perception was based on the Korean version of the Clinical Assessment of Music Perception test and word and sentence recognition scores. Meanwhile, for the subjective assessment, the quality rating of speech and music as well as self-reported HA benefits were evaluated. Results: There was no improvement conferred with DNR of HAs on the objective assessment tests of speech and music perception. The pitch discrimination at 262 Hz in the DNR-off condition was better than that in the unaided condition (p=0.024); however, the unaided condition and the DNR-on conditions did not differ. In the Korean music background questionnaire, responses regarding ease of communication were better in the DNR-on condition than in the DNR-off condition (p=0.029). Conclusions: Speech and music perception or sound quality did not improve with the activation of DNR. However, DNR positively influenced the listener's subjective listening comfort. The DNR-off condition in HAs may be beneficial for pitch discrimination at some frequencies.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.457-466
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• 1997

청력장애인이 전화상의 말에 대한 청취력을 향상시킬수 있는 보청기능이 있는 전화기를 개발하였다. 최근 청력장애인이 늘어나고 있으며 생산자로서의 사회참여 욕구 또한 늘어나고 있는데 이들은 자신의 핸디캡을 메워줄 보조기기를 강력히 원하고 있다. 보청기능 전화기는 음성으로써 외부 정보를 획득할 수 있는 기본적인 통신 보조기기의 한 형태이다. 본 연구팀은 청력장애인의 청력특성을 분석하고 전화기에 청력 보상법을 적용함으로써 보청기능이 있는 새로운 모델의 전화기를 개발하였고 3가지 분야의 시험(전기적 시험, 단어 인지도 시험, 사용자 시험)을 수행하여 이 전화기의 유용성을 평가하였다. 새 전화기는 4개의 대역통과필터를 가지고 있으며 각 밴드의 중심주파수는 전화라인의 특성과 심리음향학적인 특성을 고려하여 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 Hz로 설정하였다. 청력장애인은 전화기의 증폭특성을 자신의 청력에 맞도록 피팅(fitting)할 수 있다. 즉 자신의 손실된 청력을 잘 보상하도록 4개 필터밴드에 대한 볼륨조절을 개별적으로 조정할 수 있다. 전화기의 전체 이득은 250~32000Hz 대역내에서 20㏈ 이상이다. 시험결과 새 모델의 전화기가 기존의 전화기보다 청력장애인의 전화음성 이해도를 향상 시킨다고 증명되었다. 향후 측음 및 잡음 억제, 주파수 대역분리, 청력패턴 보상과 심리음향적 라우드니스(loudness)보상에 대한 연구가 필요하며 공학과 임상 분야에서의 청력장애인의 언어 이지특성 연구를 통하여 더욱 발전된 전화기가 개발될 수 있다고 판단된다.

• 한국소음진동공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국소음진동공학회 2005년도 춘계학술대회논문집
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• pp.607-610
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• 2005

It is very difficult to reduce traffic noise level in the downtown. The best method is to improve the sound amenity of the districts, considering concept of soundscape. ?his study aims to survey the effect of introducing sound and masking to reduce the background noise level. We carried out the evaluating test for 18 introducing sounds varied S/N ratio(-5, 0, +5) in the city riverside. In these test, subjects evaluated the sound environment with five bipolar adjective scales. It was evaluated that introducing sounds improved the sound environment and that S/N + 5dB was very appropriate to mask the background noise. But the hearing level was suggested to be S/N 0 dB or less.

• 환경위생공학
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.123-134
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• 1998

The study was performed to investigate the differences among various evaluation criteria for noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL). The subjects were 100 workers who had received detailed audiometric examinations after the periodic annual examination for hearing loss. The evaluation criteria included were as follows: The criterion I was NIHL of 50dB or greater at 4,000Hz in either ear which is one of the legal requirements for determining occupational hearing loss in Korea. The criterion II was NIHL of 40dB or greater by 4-divided classification(a+b+c+d/4 at 500Hz(a), 1,000Hz(b), 2,000Hz(c), 4,000Hz(d)) which is also one of the legal requirements for determining occupational hearing loss in Korea. The criterion III was NIHL of 31dB of greater by 6-divided classification(a+2b+2c+d/6) which is the workers' compensation standard. The criterion IV was NIHL of 40dB or greater by 6-divided classification(a+2b+2c+d/6), the criterion used to prohibite workers to be employed in the noisy workplace. The criterion V was NIHL of 40dB or greater by 3-divided classification(a+b+c/3) which is the guideline of the Japanes Labour Department. The results were as follows; 1. The percentage of workers with NIHL by the criterion I was the highest(96%) and covered all workers with NIHL diagnosed by other criteria. Therefore, this criterion was the most sensitive one for early detection of NIHL among various evaluation criteria. 2. The percentage of workers with NIHL by the criterion II was 29% of the subjects, but all of them could be diagnosed as having NIHL by the criterion I and 33.1% of the NIHL by the criterion III could not be covered by the criterion II. Thus, this criterion was not considered suitable as an initial step for determining occupational hearing loss. 3. The percentage of workers with NIHL by the criterion III was 45% of the subjects. This percentage was 46.9% of the NIHL by the criterion I and was estimated to cover 3.6% of all noise exposed workers. 4. The percentage of workers with NIHL by the criterion IV was 28% of the subjects, but 37.8% of the NIHL by the criterion III and 70.8% of the NIHL by the criterion I were not covered by the criterion. Therefore, these workers could have been employed in the noisy workplaces. 5. Employed relocation which was one of the post management methods was an option in the criterion I in Korea and in the criterion V in Japan. The number of NIHL by the criterion I was 6.7times greater than that by the criterion V. Thus, although employee relocation was not used exclusively, many more workers with NIHL could have been relocated. In conclusion, this study revealed that the criteria being used for managing occupational hearing loss showed a lack uniformity among them. In addition, since these criteria are all relied on the total threshold shifts caused by the noise exposure at the time of hearing test with no consideration given to the past noise exposure history nor age, it can be said that they are not an effective tool for occupational hearing loss management. Since legal requirements are usually followed after being diagnosed as having NIHL, it is recommended that a uniform diagnostic criterion should be used to minimize confusion. Pre-employment hearing tests should also be utilized so as to managing occupational hearing loss after employment rather than being used as a legal roadblock of prohibiting workers with mild hearing loss from being employed. Thus, what is needed is an establishment of a rational criterion for occupational hearing loss management rather than for legal requirements.

• 한국소음진동공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국소음진동공학회 2007년도 춘계학술대회논문집
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• pp.127-131
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• 2007

A laboratory study on low frequency noise assessment was carried out to determine the acceptability limits in the frequency range between 20 and 200 Hz. The acceptability limits were tested in the anechoic chamber to minimize the background noise. A total of 30 test subjects, who were aged between 19 to 33 years, participated in this study. They were exposed to various stimuli for about 1 hour by supra-aural earphone. The experiment consisted of two listening sessions; hearing threshold and the acceptability limits session. The results showed that the trend of the acceptability limits curve was approximately equal to C-weighting curve which had been found to be superior to A-weighting curve in low frequency noise assessment.

• 수산해양기술연구
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.479-486
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• 2012

In order to obtain the fundamental data about the behavior of conger by underwater audible sound, this experiment was carried out to investigate the hearing ability of Conger eel Conger myriaster which was in the coast of Jeju Island by heartbeat conditioning method using pure tones coupled with a delayed electric shock. The audible range of conger eel extended from 50Hz to 300Hz with a peak sensitivity at 80Hz including less sensitivity over 200Hz. The mean auditory thresholds of conger eel at the frequencies of 50Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz and 300Hz were 105dB, 92dB, 96dB, 128dB and 140dB, respectively. The positive response of conger eel was not evident after the sound projection of over 200Hz. At the results, the sensitive frequency range of conger eel is narrow in spite of swim bladder. Auditory masking was determined for Conger eel by using masking stimuli with the spectrum level range of about 60~70dB (0dB re $1{\mu}Pa/\sqrt{Hz}$). According to white noise level, the auditory thresholds increased as compared with thresholds in a quiet background noise including critical ratio at 68dB of white noise from minimum 26dB to maximum 30dB at test frequencies of 80Hz and 100Hz. The noise spectrum level at the start of masking was distributed at the range of about 68dB within 80~100Hz.

• 한국음향학회지
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.353-357
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• 2005

이과적인 질환이나, 소음에 의한 청력소실이 없는 경우에도 노화에 의한 청력의 변화에 대해서는 잘 알려진 사실이다. 노인들의 청력에 대한보고는 있었지만, 한국인의 노화에 의한 청력변화에 관한 보고는 드물고, 남녀의 차이에 대한 연구는 제한적이며, 아직도 이견이 있다. 최근 조선대학교에서 개발한 청력검사결과 관리 프로그램 (ARCISM)을 이용하여 한국인의 노화성 난청에 대한 기준 청력범위를 구하고자 연구를 시도하였다. 일 년여 동안 대구파티마병원 건강검진센터에 방문한 환자 중 문진에 응한 1603명의 청력검사결과를 소음에 노출된 경우나 기타 이과적인 질환을 배제한 후, 노화에 따른 청력의 변화에 대해 20대에서 80대까지의 청력도를 구하였다. 나이에 의한 주파수 대역별 청력역치의 상승을 통계학적으로 유의하였으며. 고주파수로 갈수록 그 정도가 심하였다. 특히 4kHz와 8kHz에서 남자에 있어서 여자보다 통계적으로 유의하게 청력소실이 더 크게 나타났다. 개발한 프로그램의 운용으로 방대한 청각검사자료를 이용하여 쉽게 노화에 따른 청력 변화에 대해 기준청력범위를 구할 수 있었고, 향후 노화성 난청의 재활이나 한국형 보청기 개발에 기초자료로 활용될 것으로 생각된다.

• 수산해양교육연구
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• 제25권6호
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• pp.1381-1388
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• 2013

In order to improve the availability of underwater sound by the fundamental data on the hearing ability, the auditory thresholds for the bambooleaf wrasse pseudolabrus japonicus were determined at 80Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 500Hz and 800Hz by heartbeat conditioning method using pure tones coupled with a delayed electric shock. The audible range of the bambooleaf wrasse extended from 80Hz to 800Hz with the best sensitivity around 100Hz and 200Hz. In addition, the auditory thresholds over 300Hz increased rapidly. The mean auditory thresholds of the bambooleaf wrasse at the test frequencies, 80Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 500Hz and 800Hz were 100dB, 95.1dB, 94.8dB, 109dB, 121dB and 125dB, respectively. Auditory critical ratios for the bambooleaf wrasse were measured using masking stimuli with the spectrum level range of about 70, 74, 78dB (0dB re $1{\mu}Pa/\sqrt{Hz}$). According to white noise level, the auditory thresholds increased as compared with thresholds in a quiet background noise. The Auditory masking by the white noise spectrum level was stared over about 60dB within 80~300Hz. Critical ratios to be measured at frequencies from 80Hz to 300Hz were minimum 33dB and maximum 39dB.