Speech-in-noise perception and spectro-temporal resolution in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with various cognitive deficits.
• Auditory processing, particularly in noisy environments, is often challenging for individuals with OCD.
• The specific nature of auditory processing deficits in OCD requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate speech-in-noise perception in individuals with OCD.
• To assess spectro-temporal resolution skills, including spectral and temporal resolution, in OCD.
• To explore the relationship between OCD symptom severity and auditory performance.

Main Methods:

• 84 adults (42 with OCD, 42 controls) with normal hearing participated.
• Speech-in-noise perception was measured using the Turkish Matrix Test (TURMatrix).
• Spectral resolution was assessed with the Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test (SMRT), and temporal resolution with the Gap-In-Noise Test (GIN).

Main Results:

• Individuals with OCD demonstrated significantly poorer speech-in-noise perception (TURMatrix) and temporal resolution (GIN) compared to controls.
• Spectral resolution (SMRT) did not differ significantly between the groups.
• OCD duration correlated with temporal resolution deficits, but symptom severity (Y-BOCS, BDI, BAI) did not.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with OCD exhibit deficits in speech-in-noise perception linked to impaired temporal resolution, while spectral resolution remains intact.
• These findings suggest that timing-related processing deficits contribute to auditory difficulties in OCD.
• The results highlight potential targets for auditory-cognitive rehabilitation in OCD.