Linking Soundscapes and Neural Information: From the Neurophysiological Basis to Beyond-the-Lab Data Acquisition

by Dr. Martin Bleichner, University of Oldenburg

will take place on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 from 16:00 to 17:00 hours in CBBM Building, Ground Floor, Seminar Room Levi-Montalcini.

Host: Prof. Jonas Obleser
Institute of Psychology I

Abstract: My research centers on understanding how individuals perceive complex soundscapes in their daily environments. Key questions guiding my work include: How extensively do we perceive the sounds around us? What factors lead to certain sounds being disturbing while others are disregarded? How are perceptual processes in everyday situations influenced by both top-down and bottom-up mechanisms? And how does our perception change over contexts and time?
A critical aspect of this research is the capability to capture and link acoustic and neural data outside of laboratory settings. In my presentation, I will outline our approach to ear-centered mobile EEG. I will discuss the necessary hardware, software and the methodologies essential for obtaining reliable data in naturalistic settings.
I will show the general feasibility of obtaining and relating EEG and acoustic data beyond the lab and discuss the challenges we encounter. A key focus of my discussion will be on the main challenge we face: developing an accurate and comprehensive description of complex soundscapes.
Our research not only pushes the boundaries of neurophysiological studies but also aims to provide deeper insights into the complex of auditory-brain interactions in real-world settings.