Influence of subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures on cocktail party listening in younger and older adults

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the influence of subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures on cocktail party listening in younger and older adults with normal hearing sensitivity.

Design: Tests administered included quick speech perception in noise test to assess cocktail party listening, speech auditory brainstem response to assess subcortical auditory processing and digit span, digit sequencing and spatial selective attention test to assess cognitive processing.

Study sample: A total of 92 participants with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: 52 young adults (20–40 years) and 40 older adults (60–80 years).

Results: The older adults performed significantly poorer than, the younger adults on the quick speech perception in noise test and various cognitive measures. Further, cognitive measures correlated with speech perception in noise in younger and older adults. The results of this study also showed that there was a significant deterioration in brainstem encoding of speech with ageing. Further, it was also noted that the fundamental frequency of the speech auditory brainstem response correlated with speech perception in noise.

Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures play a role in cocktail party listening.

Keywords:

• Aging
• speech perception
• cognitive measures
• sub cortical auditory processing

Acknowledgements

The investigators would like to acknowledge the Director, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing for being pivotal in granting AIISH Research fund for the project. We would like to acknowledge the HOD, Department of Audiology the resources from the department for testing. We also would like to extend our appreciation to the accounts section for providing support in maintaining the accounts. Our heartfelt gratitude also extends to all the participants involved in this study for their kind cooperation.

Declaration of interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the AIISH Research Fund (ARF) institutional Grant for research.