Improving Cochlear Implant Signal Processing
With a cochlear implant a deaf adult or child can hear sounds and even have a normal conversation. A cochlear implant stimulates the auditory nerve directly by generating electrical pulses on an array of electrodes inserted in the cochlea during surgery.
The main research topics at ExpORL, Dept. Neurosciences are:
* Speech and music processing for cochlear implants * Noise reduction for improved speech reception with hearing instruments in adverse and noisy listening environments * Binaural hearing: signal processing schemes and evaluation procedures for bilateral acoustical and/or electrical hearing instruments * New electrical stimulation for optimal neural excitation in cochlear implants * Temporal neural processing in the auditory system * New auditory measurement methods based on auditory brain evoked potentials for improved diagnostics and hearing instruments
In these studies we focus on the chain of auditory modelling, signal processing, simulation, psychophysical tests, electro-physiological measurements, imaging, lab-implementation, and evaluation with normal hearing subjects and users of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Intensive research has led to fundamental knowledge about hearing with hearing instruments. Based on these studies, new signal processing strategies have been developed that are now used worldwide in the most recent cochlear implant systems and hearing aids. Furthermore, diagnostic and evaluation strategies have been developed that are clinically applied. Website unit Project
This Ph.D. project aims to improve hearing of people who use a cochlear implant, either by itself, or together with a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear.
The work will include
Development of signal processing to convert sound into electrical stimulation Hands-on measurement of signals and building of test setups Evaluation of new signal processing with cochlear implant recipients
Typical day-to-day tasks include developing signal processing (Matlab, ...), designing test protocols, conducting tests with cochlear implant recipients, and reading and writing scientific publications.
Profile
A degree in electrical or biomedical engineering, physics, or similar A background in signal processing An interest in auditory perception An inquisitive and creative mind, good problem solving skills Very good English proficiency Dutch speaker (preferably), or willing to quickly learn Dutch Knowledge of human neurophysiology and psychology of hearing is a benefit
Offer
Exciting auditory research A Ph.D. title after 4 years of research A thorough scientific education, the possibility to become a world-class researcher Membership of a world-renowned lab, as part of a motivated interdisciplinary team (35 researchers) Membership of KU Leuven, one of the largest research universities of Europe The possibility to take part in international conferences and collaborations A competitive salary
Interested? For more information please contact Prof. dr. Tom Francart, tel.: +32 16 37 98 40, mail: tom.francart@med.kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Jan Wouters, tel.: +32 16 33 04 75, mail: jan.wouters@med.kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than July 01, 2019 via the online application tool KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
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