True Vs. Nonsense Word Auditory Memory and Sequencing Performance and Its Relation to Speech Perception in Noise
Abstract
Background and Aim: Auditory memory and sequencing are vital components of central auditory processing, crucial for functions including speech perception in background noise. This study compared performance in auditory memory and sequencing tasks using true and nonsense words and explored their relation to speech perception in noise abilities.
Methods: The study was conducted on 82 participants aged 18 to 24 with normal hearing. The participants completed auditory memory and sequencing tasks using true and nonsense consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel words. Stimuli were organised into three to eight-word sequences and delivered through headphones binaurally. Responses were scored separately for auditory memory and sequencing. Also, the participants were tested for speech perception in the presence of noise by computing the Signal to Noise Ratio required for 50% correct recognition (SNR50).
Results: The study findings revealed that the participants performed significantly better on true words than nonsense words in the auditory memory (t= 24.93, p < .001) and sequencing tasks (t= 27.25, p < .001). A moderate negative correlation was evident between auditory sequencing and SNR50 for both true (r = -0.34, p = 0.001) and nonsense words (r -0.29, p = 0.006). A subsequent logistic regression revealed that true word auditory sequencing scores can accurately predict speech perception in noise performance.
Conclusion: The findings show that cognitive-linguistic scaffolding enhances auditory memory and sequencing, as seen in superior performance for true words. Auditory sequencing predicts speech perception in noise, while auditory memory does not, highlighting the complex link between scaffolding and speech perception in noise.
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