Simulating listener errors in using genetic algorithms for perceptual optimization

Abstract

The genetic algorithm (GA) was previously suggested for fitting hearing aid or cochlear implant features by using listener’s subjective judgment. In the present study, two human factors that might affect the outcome of the GA when used for perceptual optimization were explored with simulations. Listeners with varying sensitivity in discriminating sentences of different intelligibility and with varying error rates in entering their judgment to the GA were simulated. A comparison of the simulation results with the results from human subjects reported by Başkent Ear Hear.28(3) 277–289 (2007) showed that these factors could reduce the performance of the GA considerably.