I have been interested in sound ever since I picked up a close friend’s record and placed it on a turntable at age 11. The equipment and process behind DJing intrigued me, leading me to learn percussion as a teenager and to attending live performances, playing in groups, and composing music. After attending my bachelors degree in Music Technology at Leeds Beckett University I went into the world of DJing, which introduced me to various audio engineering principles, creativity, and room acoustics. Underpinning all these experiences was a desire to explore the fundamentals in acoustics, and why sound behaves the way it does in certain conditions. I went on to undertake a Masters degree in Environmental and Architectural Acoustics at London South Bank University whilst also starting a career in acoustic consultancy. For my dissertation I developed an automated sound classification which utilised machine learning approaches for construction monitoring which used real-world data with the aim to disaggregate construction related sound events from non-construction related events, ultimately leading me to this PhD. With sound aside, I am also a keen (but amateur gardener), enjoy reading, watching film, and going to see as much live music as time allows.
Project title: Accessible Tinnitus Notch Noise Therapy via Machine Learning, Acoustic Metamaterials and Additive Manufacturing
Project Partner: TinnitusUK and the NHS
University: University of Sheffield
Supervisors: Professor Jon Barker and Dr Anton Krynkin
Briefly, what is your PhD project about?
My PhD project is best described in two parts. The first part is the characterisation of tinnitus through sound matching and subjective descriptions which will aim to utilise machine learning approaches to improve the process behind characterising tinnitus. The second part is the development of passive notch-noise therapy delivered through acoustic metamaterials. These two parts will be fused together to provide a potential treatment which is tailored on the perceptual profile of individual tinnitus patients.
Why is it important to do this research?
Tinnitus is a condition that can be highly intrusive and is strongly linked to a decreased quality of life resulting in stress, anxiety, and depression. 1 in 7 adults in the UK suffers from tinnitus (affecting approximately 7.6 million individuals in the UK alone. Despite this, the origins of tinnitus are seldom understood, and in terms of subjective tinnitus (no identifiable causes) this makes up a large percentage. This has then resulted in limited available treatments. This research presents an opportunity to introduce a novel tinnitus characterisation approach which will be linked to a passive non-invasive treatment.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
As I have been involved in areas where there is exposure to high levels of sound, I regularly encountered those suffering with Tinnitus. When I found that there was an opportunity with Sound Futures to fuse together different parts of my experience, from machine learning, to the application of materials within healthcare, I knew that I wanted to apply. Furthermore, as the PhD is supported by the NHS and Tinnitus UK, this will help bring me closer to those who suffer from tinnitus, helping me to realise the importance of this research.
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
A Sustainable Sound Future is one where our approaches to acoustics are informed by sustainable practices. In my view, this is the consideration of various impacts that include acoustic and non-acoustic factors. With respect to acoustic factors these could include inequality to noise exposure (i.e. areas with higher levels of deprivation typically experience greater noise exposure) to affordable devices for hearing impaired individuals. In respect of non-acoustic factors these could include environmental impacts through use of technology and indirect health impacts. There is also the building of security, trustworthiness, and transparency which goes hand-in-hand with sustainable work practices, and creates a more collaborative and accessible environment.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
I was working at an acoustic consultancy where I worked on projects ranging from NSIPs, renewable energy, and multi-use developments. I was responsible for undertaking environmental sound surveys alongside data analysis. I also developed noise models which would incorporate various sound sources to determine potential impacts from or to surrounding stakeholders, which would inform support for planning applications, environmental impact assessments, and environmental agency applications. I also provided support for junior members of the team.
What do you do on a typical PhD day so far?
A typical PhD is quite varied for me at this early stage. On some days I am strengthening some of my core mathematical skills and going deeper into subjects which apply to acoustics. Other days I am prototyping novel sound matching tools, and on others undertaking literature review in tinnitus.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
The Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) travels at approximately 150 – 200 mph. During the first design, as the train entered a tunnel an excessive amount of pressure built up at the front-end of the train which created a loud boom at the tunnel exit. Chief engineer and birdwatcher Elji Nakatsu was observing how kingfishers entered the water at high speed with minimal splashing. This observation was then applied to the front end of the train (note the long ‘nose’ of the control car), which not only significantly reduced the loud boom, but also increased the trains speed whilst reducing energy usage.