Influence of age on speech-in-noise and spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults
Pavithra Nayak1, Suresh Pillai2, Hari Prakash Palaniswamy1
1Department of Speech and Hearing, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Plos One
|January 29, 2026
Summary
Cognitive function, not age, significantly impacts speech perception in noise (SPIN) for middle-aged adults. Spatial processing abilities showed age-related declines, highlighting the need for cognitive screening in hearing assessments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Speech perception in noise (SPIN) difficulties are often linked to aging.
- Emerging research suggests these challenges may start in midlife.
- Investigating midlife SPIN and spatial processing is crucial for early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine speech perception in noise (SPIN) and spatial processing in middle-aged adults.
- To identify predictors of SPIN performance, including age and cognitive function.
- To compare abilities between younger (41-50) and older (51-60) middle-aged groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 76 participants aged 41-60 years.
- Utilized the Spatial Separation Sentence Test-Kannada (SSST-K) for SPIN and spatial assessment.
- Assessed cognition (MoCA), noise exposure (NESI), physical activity (GPAQ), and mental health (PHQ-9).
Main Results:
- Cognitive function (MoCA) was the primary predictor of SPIN in the co-located condition.
- No variables predicted spatial advantage.
- The older subgroup (51-60 years) showed reduced spatial advantage and lower MoCA scores, but no age difference in co-located SPIN.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive function is a key factor in midlife speech perception in noise.
- Spatial advantage may decline with age in middle adulthood.
- Further research with audiometric verification is needed to understand peripheral and central hearing contributions.
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