EASY LISTENING: Optimizing the consequences of effortful listening in occupational settings
PhD student 2: Acoustical Scene Analysis and Speech Enhancement
In this project, the student will research and develop machine learning-based technologies for audio scene analysis and improvement of the acoustical signal in the context of occupational communication in safety-critical conditions. At the same time, the PhD candidate will enroll as doctoral student at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany.
The PhD candidate will be fully embedded in the EASYLI research and training network and will carry out theoretical and applied research in the interdisciplinary fields of signal processing, audio processing, communication systems, machine learning, and psychoacoustics. The topics of the position are related to the following fields:
- Speaker recognition
- Sound source detection and separation
- Development of machine/deep learning-based algorithms for acoustic signal processing
- Real time implementation (low delay processing)
- Human speech perception and psychoacoustics
Together with CeoTronics AG, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT in Oldenburg, the student will work in the field of audio scene analysis and speech enhancement.
Where will the candidate be working?
CeoTronics
For over 30 years, CeoTronics has developed and produced innovative communication systems for demanding environments. They are the leading supplier of mobile digital radio networks and terminal equipment as well as high-quality communication headsets and systems for professional use.
CeoTronics communication systems, including effective hearing protection and other protective functions, are far superior to simple hearing protectors because users can still communicate with each other even under the most adverse conditions. Whether working, for example, in noisy or dangerous environments or wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), CeoTronics systems offer more protection in the workplace, increasing productivity and efficiency.
CeoTronics provides communication systems and services for a wide variety of professional groups. The company employs approximately 100 people and is headquartered in Rödermark, near Frankfurt.
Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology
The objective of the Oldenburg Branch for Hearing, Speech and Audio Technology HSA of the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT is to translate scientific findings related to hearing perception and man-machine interaction into technological applications. Its research and development priorities are the enhancement of sound quality and speech intelligibility, personalized audio reproduction, automatic speech recognition and acoustic event detection with the help of artificial intelligence. A further focus is the use of mobile neurotechnology, which specifically facilitates the recording of brain activity and utilization of the resulting data outside the laboratory.
Application fields include consumer electronics, the automotive sector, industrial production, security, telecommunications and healthcare. Through scientific partnerships, Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA has close links with the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Jade University of Applied Sciences and other institutions engaged in hearing research in Oldenburg. Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA is a partner in the Cluster of Excellence »Hearing4all«.
The Oldenburg Branch for Hearing, Speech and Audio Technology HSA is funded in the program »Vorab« by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science andCulture (MWK) and the Volkswagen Foundation for its further development.
The group »Audio Signal Enhancement (ASE)« of the Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA focuses on single and multichannel based enhancement of disturbed audio signals (e.g. speech), separation of targeted sounds, automatic speaker recognition and acoustic analysis of dangerous situations.
Senior researchers involved in this project are Jan Rennies-Hochmuth and Xavier Domont