Analysis of Correlation between Cognitive Function and Speech Recognition in Noise / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Speech in the noise test has been known to reflect the distortion component of hearing impairment originated not only from the cochlea but also from the central auditory system. For communication with language, a proper cognitive function of the cerebral cortex is essential. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between the cognitive function and the speech recognition ability against background noise. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Thirty one listeners with sensorineural hearing loss in both ear participated in this study. We performed pure a tone audiometry, a speech recognition test with and without multitalker babble noise, a computerized cognitive function test and the Mini-Mental Status Examination-Korea. RESULTS: Speech recognition score in noise showed significant correlations with the results of both computerized cognitive function test and Mini-Mental Status Examination-Korea, whereas, the pure tone average and speech recognition score in the quiet background did not. CONCLUSION: These results support that speech recognition ability in background noise reflects the cognitive function.