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Effects of Gamification on Performance and Subjective Listening Effort on a Spatial Release From Masking Task
William J Bologna1, Katharine P Buckheit1, Katie Esser1
1Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Towson University, MD.
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|November 14, 2025
Summary
Gamification in speech-in-noise tests improves performance but increases perceived mental demand. While enhancing motivation, game outcomes may bias subjective listening effort ratings, suggesting careful design is needed.
Area of Science:
- Auditory perception
- Human-computer interaction
- Psychology
Background:
- Listening effort theories suggest motivation impacts performance.
- Gamification is a potential tool to manipulate motivation in listening tasks.
- Spatial release from masking tests assess auditory performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare a traditional vs. gamified spatial release from masking test.
- Investigate if gamification improves performance or alters subjective listening effort.
- Determine the impact of gamification on motivation in auditory tasks.
Main Methods:
- 34 adults with normal hearing completed both test versions.
- Gamified test used a spaceship race theme; traditional test was standard.
- Psychometric functions adapted target-to-masker ratio; subjective ratings collected.
Main Results:
- Gamified test yielded better behavioral thresholds (performance).
- Participants reported higher mental demand, frustration, and lower perceived success with gamification.
- Subjective ratings may have been influenced by game outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Gamified speech-in-noise testing can enhance performance and mental demand.
- Game outcomes, not just task difficulty, may influence subjective effort ratings.
- Gamification offers a method to study motivation's effect on speech-in-noise tasks.
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