Effect of simulated hearing loss on speech sounds perception

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Central auditory processing disorders (CAPD) can affect speech perception.
• Hearing loss, particularly high-frequency loss, can mimic or exacerbate CAPD symptoms.
• The Speech-Sounds Perception Test (SSPT) is used to assess auditory processing skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of simulated high-frequency hearing loss on SSPT performance in young adults with normal hearing.
• To determine if simulated hearing loss affects auditory processing test results.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four young volunteers with normal hearing sensitivity participated.
• Bilateral air conduction thresholds were measured.
• The SSPT was administered using tape-recorded stimuli filtered to simulate two types of high-frequency hearing loss.

Main Results:

• A significant effect of simulated high-frequency hearing loss on SSPT performance was observed.
• Individuals with simulated hearing loss performed significantly worse on the SSPT.

Conclusions:

• Simulated high-frequency hearing loss demonstrably affects SSPT outcomes.
• Clinicians should consider the presence and type of hearing loss when interpreting SSPT results.
• Attributing poor SSPT performance solely to CAPD may be inaccurate in patients with hearing loss.