Temporal Resolution of Individuals With Varying Degrees of Acceptable Noise Level

Abstract

Background:The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) is a measure of an individual's ability to tolerate background noise while listening to speech. Based on their ANL scores, people can be categorised into 'low' , 'mid' , or 'high' ANL groups. However, there are reports of subtle central auditory effects on the variation of ANL in normal hearing subjects. Because these reports are based on various objective test findings and interpretations, process-based central auditory testing and subjective authentication is essential in order to understand central involvement in individuals with various degrees of ANL.Methods: A total of 106 Kannada-speaking adults with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. Their ANLs were measured and they were then classified into 'low' , 'mid' , and 'high' groups. The temporal resolution abilities in these participants were tested using the Gap in Noise (GIN) test.Results: Descriptive analysis along with parametric statistical evaluations were carried out to compare the GIN scores of the three groups. One-way ANOVA revealed that the GIN scores were not statistically different (p>0.05) between the groups. Conclusions:The result suggests that the temporal resolution of individuals with varying degrees of ANLs is comparable. The absence of temporal resolution difficulties in individuals with varying degrees of ANL do not necessarily contradict earlier reports, as they could have other central auditory processing difficulties. More research is required to clarify these difficulties.