Speech evoked auditory brainstem response and gap detection threshold in middle-aged individual
Himanshu Kumar Sanju1, Vaishnavi Bohra2, Sujeet Kumar Sinha2
1Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Amity Medical School, Amity University, Gurgaon, 122413, Haryana, India. himanshusanjuaiish@gmail.com.
Summary
Middle-aged adults show poorer speech encoding and auditory processing compared to younger adults. This includes reduced brainstem function for speech sounds and a higher gap detection threshold, indicating age-related auditory decline.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Speech Processing
- Aging Research
Background:
- Auditory function undergoes changes with age, impacting speech perception.
- Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (ABR) and gap detection threshold (GDT) are key measures of auditory processing.
- Understanding age-related changes in auditory processing is crucial for audiological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gap detection threshold (GDT) and speech evoked auditory brainstem response (SABR) between younger and middle-aged adults.
- To investigate the effects of aging on the brainstem encoding of speech features (F0, F1, F2).
- To assess age-related differences in auditory processing abilities.
Main Methods:
- Study included two groups: 15 young adults (15-25 years) and 15 middle-aged adults (40-60 years).
- Speech evoked auditory brainstem response (SABR) using a 40 ms /da/ stimulus and gap detection threshold (GDT) were measured.
- Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare groups.
Main Results:
- Aging significantly impaired the brainstem encoding of speech formants F1 and F2.
- No significant age effect was found on the encoding of the fundamental frequency (F0).
- Middle-aged adults exhibited significantly longer wave V latency and poorer GDT compared to younger adults.
Conclusions:
- Middle-aged individuals demonstrate diminished brainstem processing of speech sounds compared to younger adults.
- Auditory processes, including speech encoding and temporal resolution (GDT), deteriorate with age into middle adulthood.
- These findings highlight age-related declines in auditory function detectable at the brainstem level.
