ERIC Number: EJ1461773
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2056-7936
Available Date: 2025-03-07
Immersive Auditory-Cognitive Training Improves Speech-in-Noise Perception in Older Adults with Varying Hearing and Working Memory
Vanessa Frei1,2,3; Nathalie Giroud1,2,3,4
npj Science of Learning, v10 Article 12 2025
Ageing is associated with elevated pure-tone thresholds, accompanied by increased difficulties in understanding speech-in-noise. While amplification provides important, but insufficient support, auditory-cognitive training (ACT) might propose a solution. However, generalized effects have been scarce, highlighting the necessity of training designs targeting naturalistic listening situations. We addressed this issue by designing a short-term ACT in a purely auditory- and a virtual multisensory environment, targeting both, sensory and cognitive processing of natural speech. 40 healthy older participants with varying hearing- and cognitive capacities were exposed to both trainings (cross-over design), while speech-in-noise perception was measured before and after each session. Immersive ACT exposure resulted in increased speech-in-noise perception, particularly for individuals with more pronounced hearing loss or reduced auditory working memory capacity. These results demonstrate that combining sensory and cognitive training elements, particularly in a multisensory environment, has the potential to improve speech in noise perception.
Descriptors: Older Adults, Auditory Perception, Auditory Training, Listening Comprehension, Sensory Integration, Cognitive Processes, Cognitive Development, Hard of Hearing, Short Term Memory, Multisensory Learning, Speech Communication
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1University of Zurich, Department of Computational Linguistics, Computational Neuroscience of Speech and Hearing, Zurich, Switzerland; 2University of Zurich, Language & Medicine Center Zurich, Competence Center of Medical Faculty and Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland; 3International Max Planck Research School for the Life Course: Evolutionary and Ontogenetic Dynamics (LIFE), Berlin, Germany; 4University and ETH of Zurich, Center for Neuroscience Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland