Working memory training to improve speech perception in noise across languages.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Auditory Neuroscience

Background:

• Working memory capacity is crucial for higher cognitive functions, including speech perception in noisy environments.
• Existing working memory training methods show potential for cognitive enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if working memory training improves speech perception in noise.
• To assess the cross-linguistic applicability of working memory training materials.

Main Methods:

• Participants completed ten days of reversed digit span training.
• Reading span and speech perception in noise were measured before and after training.
• Control groups received no training.

Main Results:

• Working memory training led to significant improvements in both reading span and speech perception in noise.
• Control groups showed no significant changes in performance.
• The training materials proved easily translatable across languages.

Conclusions:

• Working memory training can enhance speech perception in challenging auditory conditions.
• The simplicity and translatability of training materials support broad application.
• This approach offers a viable method for improving auditory processing skills across diverse linguistic groups.