The Relationship Between Spectral Resolution and Spectro-Temporal Resolution with Speech Perception in Noise in Younger and Older Adults

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to measure the relationship between spectral (SRt), spectro-temporal (STRt) and speech perception in noise (SPIN) abilities in younger and older adults with normal hearing. The thresholds were compared across the three measures for younger and older adults. The SRt, STRt and SPIN were correlated with each other. Methods: Group I consisted of younger adults with normal hearing and Group II consisted of older adults with normal hearing. All the participants had undergone testing with spectral resolution ability test using notch noise method, spectro-temporal resolution ability test using spectro-temporal ripple test and speech perception in noise ability using Quick speech perception in noise test in Kannada. Results and Discussion: The older adults had poorer thresholds than younger adults for SRt, STRt, and SPIN-SNR-50. SRt significantly correlated with STRt at all test frequencies. Similarly, SNR-50 significantly correlated with SRt for all test frequencies. Unlike SRt, SNR-50 did not correlate significantly with STRt at any test frequency. However, the correlation coefficient values at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz were greater than 0.4, indicating a fair correlation between SPIN and STRt. Conclusion: The present study showed that SRt, STRt, and SPIN thresholds were poorer in older than younger adults. Results also revealed a high positive correlation between these three abilities for younger and older adults. The findings add to our understanding of the auditory aging process and potential underlying mechanisms for older listeners' speech perception of noise.