Working memory, attention, and speech perception in noise abilities in individuals with auditory neuropathy

Abstract Background It is known that reduced audibility, as seen in cochlear hearing loss, has detrimental effect on the working memory capacity. However, limited research has explored consequences of auditory neuropathy on the working memory capacity. The present study aims to investigate and compare working memory, attention, and speech perception in noise between individuals with auditory neuropathy and those with normal hearing. For this purpose, we recruited 40 participants aged between 18 and 35 years. Among them, 20 individuals had normal hearing sensitivity, and 20 individuals were diagnosed with auditory neuropathy. Working memory (forward digit span, backward digit span, and 2-back), attention (Eriksen flanker task), and speech perception in noise (at + 10 dB and + 5 dB signal-to-noise ratios) were assessed in both groups. Results Results revealed statistically significant poorer working memory and speech perception in noise abilities in individuals with auditory neuropathy compared to normal hearing listeners. Attention skills of individuals with auditory neuropathy were comparable to that of normal listeners. Conclusions This study found that individuals with AN exhibited poorer working memory performance on simple span tasks performed in the visual modality. The study also points the importance of including cognitive assessments and training as part of aural rehabilitation programs to support overall communication outcomes in these population.