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Binaural Processing and Auditory Working Memory in Individuals with Tinnitus Having Normal Hearing Sensitivity.
Sanjay S1, Sajana Aryal1, Nisha K Venkateswaran1
1All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore, India.
The Journal of International Advanced Otology
|June 5, 2023
Summary
Individuals with tinnitus experience impaired binaural processing and reduced auditory working memory capacity, even with normal hearing. These deficits may impact speech perception abilities.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, potentially affecting auditory processing and working memory.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for individuals with normal hearing sensitivity experiencing tinnitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate binaural processes and working memory capacity in individuals with tinnitus and normal hearing.
- To investigate the impact of tinnitus on auditory pathway function and cognitive abilities.
Main Methods:
- Binaural interaction assessed via interaural time and level differences.
- Binaural integration evaluated using the dichotic consonant-vowel test.
- Working memory capacity measured with audio descending span and 2N-Back span tests.
Main Results:
- Significantly poorer interaural level difference scores were observed in the tinnitus group.
- Individuals with tinnitus demonstrated lower scores on the dichotic consonant-vowel test.
- Auditory working memory test scores were significantly reduced in participants with tinnitus.
Conclusions:
- Binaural processes and working memory capacity are demonstrably affected by tinnitus.
- These impairments may negatively influence an individual's ability to perceive speech.
- Further research into the relationship between tinnitus, auditory processing, and speech perception is warranted.
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