Impact of Auditory Training on Speech Perception and Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults with Hearing Loss

Abstract

The current study explored the impact of short term auditory training (LACE-Degraded) and auditory-cognitive training (LACE 4.0) on speech perceptual and cognitive measures in older adults with mild-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Thirty five participants, ages 60 to 80 years, with symmetrical mild-moderate SNHL completed a preliminary test battery of speech perceptual, cognitive, and self-report measures. The 35 study participants were randomly placed into one of three training groups (LACE 4.0, LACE-Degraded, or Short-Story Listening Training). Participants completed one week of training followed by post-testing. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was used to determine if significant improvements in speech perceptual, cognitive processing, and/or self-reported communication abilities occurred following the different training conditions. In addition, Pearson Product Moment correlation analyses were used to determine associations between experimental measures. No significant differences were found for initial measures of speech perceptual, cognitive processing, or self-report communication abilities; age or hearing loss between the three groups. The main finding was improvement for the LACE 4.0 group with increased performance on some speech perceptual and self-report measures. No strong correlations were found between changes in speech perception and initial measures of cognition or self-report. However, small to moderate significant correlations were found between selected speech perceptual measures, between cognitive processing measures, and between self-report measures. In the current study, tests sharing more common features tended to show significant correlations. Of interest, was a strong significant positive correlation that occurred between the Words in Noise test (speech perceptual measure) and the Time Compressed Speech test (processing speed measure). These two measures shared three out of five common task features and used words from the NU 6 word list. Unlike others studies, the current study focused on auditory and auditory-cognitive training in non-hearing aid users. These types of trainings may be a valid option for non-hearing aid users. Further confirmation of short-term training benefit is important because there is low compliance for completing the traditional longer training programs.