The Effects of Meaning-Based Auditory Training on Behavioral Measures of Perceptual Effort in Individuals with Impaired Hearing

Abstract

There has been considerable interest in measuring the perceptual effort required to understand speech, as well as to identify factors that might reduce such effort. In the current study, we investigated whether, in addition to improving speech intelligibility, auditory training also could reduce perceptual or listening effort. Perceptual effort was assessed using a modified version of the n-back memory task in which participants heard lists of words presented without background noise and were asked to continually update their memory of the three most recently presented words. Perceptual effort was indexed by memory for items in the three-back position immediately before, immediately after, and 3 months after participants completed the Computerized Learning Exercises for Aural Rehabilitation (clEAR), a 12-session computerized auditory training program. Immediate posttraining measures of perceptual effort indicated that participants could remember approximately one additional word compared to pretraining. Moreover, some training gains were retained at the 3-month follow-up, as indicated by significantly greater recall for the three-back item at the 3-month measurement than at pretest. There was a small but significant correlation between gains in intelligibility and gains in perceptual effort. The findings are discussed within the framework of a limited-capacity speech perception system.

Short Implicit Voice Training Affects Listening Effort During a Voice Cue Sensitivity Task With Vocoder-Degraded Speech

“…To our knowledge, there are only a few studies addressing how voice exposure might affect listening effort ( Kuchinsky et al 2014 ; Koelewijn et al 2015 ; Sommers et al 2015 ; McKenzie et al 2021 ). Koelewijn et al (2015 ) examined the effect of talker uncertainty on speech intelligibility and listening effort.…”

“…Related to that, there is evidence to support that speech-perception training might actually reduce listening effort. Sommers et al (2015 ) implemented speech-perception training and presented all stimuli with a four-talker babble in the background to hearing-impaired listeners. Sommers et al (2015 ) addressed listening effort as a behavioral measure of memory performance with a version of an n-back task.…”

“… Sommers et al (2015 ) implemented speech-perception training and presented all stimuli with a four-talker babble in the background to hearing-impaired listeners. Sommers et al (2015 ) addressed listening effort as a behavioral measure of memory performance with a version of an n-back task. The authors argued that the implemented speech-perception training reduced cognitive effort to speech perception, with participants who received training remembering additional items in the three-back position.…”

Survey of Auditory Training Awareness for Hearing Professionals and Elderly Individuals Using Hearing Aids

“…최근에는 청각 신경가소성(auditory neuroplasticity)의 개념으로 청각재활의 중요한 단계로서 보청 기 착용 후 청능훈련의 필요성과 중요성이 더욱 강조되고 있다 (Archana et al, 2016;Burk & Humes, 2007;Ferguson et al, 2014;Tye-Murray, 2009;Sweetow & Sabes, 2010). Sweetow & Sabes(2006) (Anderson & Kraus, 2013;Burk & Humes, 2007;Burk & Humes, 2008;Sommers et al, 2015;Stropahl et al, 2020;Tye-Murray, 2009). 하지만 실 질적으로 임상적 적용 측면에서는 10% 미만의 일부 청각전문 가들만이 난청인에게 청능훈련을 제공하는 것으로 나타났다 (Bloom, 2004;Kochkin, 2010;Sweetow & Sabes, 2010).…”

“…하지만 실 질적으로 임상적 적용 측면에서는 10% 미만의 일부 청각전문 가들만이 난청인에게 청능훈련을 제공하는 것으로 나타났다 (Bloom, 2004;Kochkin, 2010;Sweetow & Sabes, 2010). Burk et al, 2006;Ferguson et al, 2014;Kawata et al, 2022;Smith et al, 2009;Stecker et al, 2006) (Boothroyd, 1987;Levitt, 2011;Sommers et al, 2015;Sweetow & Sabes, 2006)…”