Influence of Auditory Closure and Working Memory on Audio- Visual Perception of Speech

Abstract

The present study investigated the influence of the speech perception in noise and the working memory on audio­ visual integration in speech perception . Sixty six adult native speakers of Kannada in the age range of 18 to 70 years. having normal hearing and normal or corrected vision of 6/6, participated in the study. The participants were assessed .for their speech perception in noise, working memory capacity and audio-visual integration. In the assessment of audio-visual integration there were three conditions in quiet (A,V,AV) and eight conditions in the presence of noise (A, AV in +5dB, OdB. -5dB & - JO dB SNR). Results showed that both SPIN and working memory have positive effect on speech perception through AV-mode. The influence was particularly significant at lower SNRs and the relationship was direct. That is, AV speech perception was better in. Individuals who had better SPIN and/or working memory. Thus, it can be concluded that internal redundancy controlled by central auditory mechanism/s (as evident through SPIN) and the cognitive abilities ( represented as working memory. a cognitive factor ) has a direct relationship with the AV speech perception and hence demands attention while interpreting on AV speech perception.