The Impact of Musical Competence on Working Memory and Speech-in-Noise Performance

Yoshita  Sharma; Harshada  Mali; Divya  Chauhan; Kavassery  Venkateswaran Nisha

doi:10.18502/avr.v34i3.18467

Yoshita Sharma Department of Physics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Harshada Mali Centre of Hearing Sciences, Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
Divya Chauhan Department of Ear Nose and Throat, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, India
Kavassery Venkateswaran Nisha Centre of Hearing Sciences, Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v34i3.18467

Keywords: Musical competence; musicians; working memory; speech perception in noise; cognitive abilities; listening efforts

Abstract

Background and Aim: The concept of Musical Competence (MC) encompasses a unique amalgamation of innate aptitude and cultivated skill, encompassing elements of formal training, informal practice, and real-time musical performance. While musical attitude and training influence speech processing abilities and Working Memory (WM), the study examines whether the self-perceived MC plays any role in these processes. This study aimed to investigate whether an individual’s self-perceived MC has an impact on their WM, Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN), and Listening Effort (LE) abilities.

Methods: A non-experimental, standard group comparison research design was employed. Various cognitive tasks, including WM tests, SPIN, and National Aeronautics Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), are administered to gauge different skills within groups.59 musicians were categorized into high self-perceived MC (MChigh) and low self-perceived MC (MClow), as assessed on scores of Edinburgh lifetime musical experience questionnaire, were evaluated for their WM and SPIN abilities.

Results: Mann Whitney U test was carried out to find group differences, while Fisher Discriminant Analysis (FDA) was performed for group membership prediction. MChigh scored significantly greater scores WM and SPIN scores than MClow, but there were no significant group differences in LE. Cognitive tasks effectively distinguish between groups. Fisher discrimination analysis confirmed the predictive value of tasks like 2n-back and backward-span in group differentiation.

Conclusion: This study underscores potential cognitive and auditory processing benefits derived from the self-belief of musicians. Musicians with higher MC exhibit enhanced cognitive skills, particularly in WM tasks and auditory processing.