Speech-in-noise detection is related to auditory working memory precision for frequency

Area of Science:

• Auditory neuroscience
• Cognitive psychology

Background:

• Deficits in speech-in-noise (SiN) perception are a primary cause of hearing impairment.
• SiN ability is linked to cognitive functions, especially phonological working memory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between auditory working memory precision and SiN thresholds.
• To determine if auditory working memory for non-speech sounds predicts SiN perception.

Main Methods:

• A novel auditory working memory paradigm tested non-speech sounds varying in frequency and amplitude modulation (AM).
• Measures of precision in frequency and AM domains were derived from participant estimates.
• SiN thresholds and phonological working memory were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Frequency precision in auditory working memory significantly correlated with SiN thresholds.
• Phonological working memory measures did not correlate with SiN ability.
• Frequency precision also correlated with years of musical training.

Conclusions:

• Working memory for frequency, a component of auditory working memory, is specifically related to SiN perception.
• This frequency working memory may aid in tracking foreground speech in noisy environments.
• The correlation with musical training suggests frequency working memory is potentially modifiable.