Jack Hallybone
What is your PhD is about?
My research aims to develop our understanding of how noise impacts cognitive functioning, for example as measured by the change in a listener’s ability to perform a task in the presence of noise. Of particular interest is how the acoustic properties of noise impact our everyday thinking and productivity by consuming sensory and cognitive resources, and how hearing technology – like hearing aids and earbuds – can reduce this impact and recover cognitive performance.
Why is it important to do this research?
The effort involved in listening is a common complaint for hearing aid users, and research shows that noise can have an impact on learning. By further understanding how noise impacts cognitive performance, we can help to support the design of hearing technology, or acoustic design more generally, that reduces the impact. Ultimately this could reduce the burden of noisy environments which can lead to increased fatigue, decreased performance, and even social withdrawal.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
The interdisciplinary nature of the project, and the CDT as a whole, is a really important factor to me. I’m particularly interested in how the ear and hearing system works, much of my previous experience is in developing noise and hearing technology, and I’m motivated by real-world outcomes for users. It’s great to have a project that has the potential to cover this whole range.
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
The central aim of working towards a better sounding future really captures the breadth of work that makes hearing and acoustics research exciting to me. It covers a whole range of research aims, from improving safety to developing more immersive entertainment, and the range of subjects and backgrounds required to achieve them.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
Before joining the CDT I worked in the electronics industry where I was involved in the development of ear-based health and safety products. The system enabled continuous personal monitoring of environmental and physiological data – such as noise and body temperature – to act as an early warning of increased risk. My role in the small team was varied but focused on voice communication and hearing conservation features which are so important in loud industrial and emergency situations.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
Mosquitoes tune their wing-beat frequency to match the frequency of other mosquitoes they hear. They even respond to match pure tones within their natural wing-beat frequency range. This tuning is thought to help them synchronise their flight speeds during mating.