In recent years, there have been remarkable advances in both embedded systems and signal processing techniques. These have also had a significant impact on auditory and audiological research. As the available hardware becomes more complex and powerful, while at the same time becoming more compact and energy-efficient, the algorithms developed can also flourish in previously unimagined ways. Innovations have opened up new ways to improve hearing devices (including hearing aids, cochlear and other neural implants), but have also paved the way for new generations of wearables and improved our understanding of auditory perception, as well as communication and sensing in general. AI techniques can be used as an example here. For instance, it is now possible to have models of human hearing as well as complete signal processing chains computed by carefully constructed neural networks, which are often no less accurate or more complex than conventional approaches.
Despite these developments, some seemingly simple tasks that have been with us for at least several decades have still not been solved to our full satisfaction. These include, for example, the perfect separation of useful signal and noise (cocktail party, attention), physiologically correct neural coding and insertion of perceptual signals (electrical and optical cochlear implants), or acoustically completely transparent virtual environments without distracting technical elements.
In this Research Topic, we aim to bring together the latest advancements in the relevant scientific fields to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to share their cutting-edge work, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations to help address long overdue challenges. We welcome Original Research, Methods, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, and Opinion article types as part of this collection. Subtopics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Advancements in hearing aids, cochlear implants, and neural interfaces that enhance auditory experiences and accessibility.
- Novel algorithms and techniques for effective signal separation, noise reduction, and enhancing auditory perception in complex environments.
- Development and application of wearable devices that monitor auditory functions and contribute to real-time analysis.
- The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in modeling human hearing and optimizing signal processing methodologies.
- Advancements in understanding neural coding mechanisms and their application in cochlear and optical implants.
- Challenges in creating acoustically transparent virtual environments that offer immersive auditory experiences without interference.
- Potential future developments in embedded systems and signal processing that could transform auditory and audiological research.
Keywords: cochlear implants, audiology
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
