Speech comprehension training and auditory and cognitive processing in older adults

Area of Science:

• Auditory neuroscience
• Cognitive aging research
• Speech comprehension training systems

Background:

• Technological advancements in hearing aids and training systems over the past century.
• Shift in focus from children with severe hearing loss to older adults with mild loss experiencing listening difficulties in noise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history of speech comprehension training systems.
• To overview research on auditory and cognitive aging.
• To recommend future directions for rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Review of technological aspects of training systems.
• Review of psychological aspects of training systems.
• Interrelation of historical trends in both domains.

Main Results:

• Technological progress has shaped hearing aid and training system design.
• Current focus is on older adults with hearing difficulties in noisy environments.
• Brain plasticity research offers insights for perceptual relearning in older adults.

Conclusions:

• Need to combine bottom-up signal processing training with top-down, ecologically valid training.
• Digital technology enables sophisticated training systems with complex materials like music and conversation.