Relationship between Speech in Noise Test, Auditory Efferent System and Speech ABR: Comparison between Younger and Middle Aged Adults

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out correlation between speech in noise perception, auditory efferent system functioning and speech encoding at the brainstem in middle aged individuals. Two groups consisting of 15 younger (age range, 18-30 years) and 15 middle aged adults (age range, 40-60 years) with normal hearing participated in the study. Speech in noise test (SPIN) and SPIN with contralateral noise tests were carried out in both ears using recorded phonetically balanced words from PB word list in Kannada for both the groups. Along with those TEOAEs, TEOAEs with contralateral noise for clicks at 60 dB SPL and speech ABR for /da/ syllable were recorded in both ears for both the groups. No significant correlation between speech in noise test (SPIN) and auditory efferent functioning in and younger and middle aged individuals. Also there was no significant correlation between speech in noise test (SPIN) and auditory efferent functioning and brainstem encoding of speech sound in middle aged individuals.