Robust relationship between reading span and speech recognition in noise

Abstract

Objective Working memory refers to a cognitive system that manages information processing and temporary storage. Recent work has demonstrated that individual differences in working memory capacity measured using a reading span task are related to ability to recognize speech in noise. In this project, we investigated whether the specific implementation of the reading span task influenced the strength of the relationship between working memory capacity and speech recognition. Design The relationship between speech recognition and working memory capacity was examined for two different working memory tests that varied in approach, using a within-subject design. Data consisted of audiometric results along with the two different working memory tests; one speech-in-noise test; and a reading comprehension test. Study sample The test group included 94 older adults with varying hearing loss and 30 younger adults with normal hearing. Results Listeners with poorer working memory capacity had more difficulty understanding speech in noise after accounting for age and degree of hearing loss. That relationship did not differ significantly between the two different implementations of reading span. Conclusions Our findings suggest that different implementations of a verbal reading span task do not affect the strength of the relationship between working memory capacity and speech recognition.

Verbal working memory and inhibition‐concentration in adults with cochlear implants

“…In contrast to previous findings of RSpan as a robust predictor of speech recognition in adults listening under degraded conditions, we failed to find any significant relations between RSpan scores and speech recognition scores for either the CI users or NH listeners. This lack of relationship might be attributable to the fact that our listeners were tested in speech‐shaped noise, which essentially provides energetic masking; stronger relations between RSpan and speech recognition skills have been found when listeners are presented speech in modulated noise or with informational masking . Second, our computerized RSpan task asked participants to recall single letters presented after sentences.…”

“…This lack of relationship might be attributable to the fact that our listeners were tested in speech-shaped noise, which essentially provides energetic masking; stronger relations between RSpan and speech recognition skills have been found when listeners are presented speech in modulated noise or with informational masking. 29 Second, our computerized RSpan task asked participants to recall single letters presented after sentences. As a result, the items to be stored and recalled may not have been encoded phonologically.…”

Exploring the Relationship Between Working Memory, Compressor Speed, and Background Noise Characteristics

“…For this study, participants with scores less than or equal to 41% correct were categorized as having low working memory. The 41% criterion was based on a review of several previous datasets with greater weight given to larger datasets (e.g., Souza & Arehart, 2015; Arehart, Souza, Baca & Kates, 2013; Classon, 2013). Based on this criterion, nine participants were categorized as having high working memory (mean scores 47.5% correct, range from 43.0% to 50% correct).…”

Verbal Working Memory in Children With Cochlear Implants

“…Single-component models view both storage and processing as elements of one global cognitive capacity (e.g., Just & Carpenter, 1992). Working memory is often assessed according to this model with a span test, in which a participant is asked to read or listen to a series of sentences and make a judgment regarding each one in turn, such as whether it is true or not (e.g., Reinhart & Souza, 2016;Souza & Arehart, 2015). After a set of sentences has been presented, the participant is then asked to recall as many first or last words as possible from each sentence, in any order.…”