Binaural Fusion in the Elderly: Using a Rapidly Alternating Speech Perception Test

Abstract

　 The Rapidly Alternating Speech Perception test (RASP) was conducted to 31elderly people in dichotic condition to investigate factors in relate to binaural fusion using processed short sentence materials. The original sentences were also presented monaurally on the better ear in comparison with RASP. The results showed that RASP scores were lower than the monaural listening condition in all subjects. Findings also demonstrated significant correlation between RASP and speech perception, hearing levels, and ages.

　 This experiment indicated difficulties of binaural fusion in elderly people, but the relationship between aging and binaural integration ability in total requires further investigation.