True Vs. Nonsense Word Auditory Memory and Sequencing Performance and Its Relation to Speech Perception in Noise

Abstract

Background and Aim: Auditory memory and sequencing are vital components of centralauditory processing, crucial for functions including speech perception in background noise.This study compared performance in auditory memory and sequencing tasks using true andnonsense words and explored their relation to speech perception in noise abilities.

Methods: The study was conducted on 82 participants aged 18 to 24 with normal hearing.The participants completed auditory memory and sequencing tasks using true and nonsenseconsonant-vowel-consonant-vowel words. Stimuli were organised into three to eight-wordsequences and delivered through headphones binaurally. Responses were scored separatelyfor auditory memory and sequencing. Also, the participants were tested for speechperception in the presence of noise by computing the Signal to Noise Ratio required for50% correct recognition (SNR50).

Results: The study findings revealed that the participants performed significantly better ontrue words than nonsense words in the auditory memory (t=24.93, p<0.001) and sequencingtasks (t=27.25, p<0.001). A moderate negative correlation was evident between auditorysequencing and SNR50 for both true (r=-0.34, p=0.001) and nonsense words (r=–0.29,p=0.006). A subsequent logistic regression revealed that true word auditory sequencingscores can accurately predict speech perception in noise performance.

Conclusion: The findings show that cognitive-linguistic scaffolding enhances auditorymemory and sequencing, as seen in superior performance for true words. Auditorysequencing predicts speech perception in noise, while auditory memory does not,highlighting the complex link between scaffolding and speech perception in noise