Evaluating Speech-in-Noise Deficits in Conductive Hearing Loss: The Underestimated Role of Low-Frequency Air-Bone Gaps

CHL substantially impairs speech perception in noise, primarily due to the detrimental effects of low-frequency air-bone gaps. These findings underscore the crucial role of low-frequency auditory input in the temporal and spectral processing of speech, underscoring the need for frequency-specific diagnostic and rehabilitative strategies in clinical audiology.