Response times from gap detection threshold testing relate to cognitive processing speed in young adults

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Auditory gap detection tasks measure the smallest gap a person can detect.
• These tasks also provide valuable response time data.
• Cognitive processing speed is crucial for daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between auditory gap detection response time and cognitive processing speed.
• To explore this relationship in individuals with and without HIV, considering age and hearing ability.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 283 participants (aged 17-45) from Tanzania, including individuals living with HIV.
• Participants underwent an adaptive gap detection task and cognitive tests (Tests of Variables of Attention, Cogstate, Montreal Cognitive Assessment).
• Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• Gap detection response time was significantly associated with most cognitive processing speed scores.
• Age showed a varied association with processing speed, while peripheral hearing did not.
• HIV status did not emerge as a significant factor in the primary analysis.

Conclusions:

• A link exists between cognitive processing speed and auditory gap detection response times.
• Gap detection response time shows potential as a simple, informative measure of cognitive processing speed.
• This measure could be valuable in audiology for monitoring cognitive function and decline.