Spectral resolution and speech comprehension performance in noise in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological disease with unknown causes.
• The impact of MS on the central auditory system is an area requiring further investigation.
• This study focuses on speech understanding in noise and spectral resolution as functions of the central auditory system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the speech understanding in noise and spectral resolution abilities in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• To compare the performance of MS patients with healthy individuals in these auditory functions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 32 individuals with MS and 31 healthy controls participated.
• Spectral resolution was assessed using the spectral-temporally modulated ripple test.
• Speech comprehension in noise was evaluated using the Turkish version of the matrix sentence test.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in spectral resolution abilities between the MS group and the control group.
• Individuals with multiple sclerosis demonstrated significantly poorer performance in speech comprehension in noise.
• These findings indicate that MS negatively affects speech understanding in noisy environments.

Conclusions:

• Multiple sclerosis adversely impacts the central auditory system's ability to process speech in noise.
• Integrating peripheral and central auditory assessments is recommended for a realistic understanding of communication difficulties in MS patients.
• Such comprehensive evaluations can better identify and address daily communication challenges faced by individuals with MS.