Evaluation of Auditory Stream Segregation Abilities and Speech Perception in Noise Abilities in Individuals with Tinnitus Having Normal Hearing Sensitivity

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess and compare Spectral profile analysis thresholds and Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) scores in normal hearing individuals with and without tinnitus. Spectral profile analysis thresholds were measured using a profile analysis task, and SPIN scores were obtained using Kannada sentences in the presence of four-talker Kannada babble. The study included 2 groups of individuals with normal hearing, one without tinnitus (Group I) and the other with tinnitus (Group II). All participants were native Kannada speakers. The findings revealed a significant difference between group I and II for profile analysis as well as the SPIN scores. Group II performed poorer than Group I in the profile analysis task and SPIN test. A correlation test was done to check for any relationship between spectral profile analysis thresholds and SPIN scores in individuals with tinnitus having normal hearing. The results revealed a significant correlation between spectral profile analysis threshold and SPIN scores. This study can help understand the stream segregation and SPIN abilities in individuals with tinnitus perception having clinically normal hearing.