Neural auditory encoding and performance in speech-in-noise perception: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

Purpose  To investigate and characterize the Frequency Following Response (FFR) and performance on the speech-in-noise test in adults who are native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, as well as to assess the potential correlation between the two measures.

Methods  A total of 28 individuals aged 18 to 29 years, with no diagnosis of hearing loss or history of conditions affecting hearing, participated in the study. Eligibility assessments included hearing sensitivity tests and mental status screening. The research assessments comprised the Portuguese Sentence List and FFR recordings.

Results  The mean signal-to-noise ratio was -0.73 dB, ranging from -4.6 dB to 1.6 dB. In the FFR, all components were identified in 100% of participants, except for component C, which was present in 96.43%. A significant positive correlation was observed between the signal-to-noise ratio and the latencies of components A and C, while a significant negative correlation was found between the signal-to-noise ratio and the amplitudes of components A and D.

Conclusion  FFR results determined characteristics of the present population, with component values similar to those reported in the Brazilian population. Better performance in speech-in-noise perception was correlated with shorter neural encoding time for the 'voice onset time' and greater neural recruitment for encoding the sound structure of the vowel.

Keywords:
Hearing; Auditory Speech Perception; Frequency Following Response; Auditory Evoked Potential; Adults