Relationship between-channel gap detection thresholds and speech perception in older adults

Abstract

　　 We investigated the gap detection thresholds in older adults. In the present study, 15 older adults with normal hearing (mean age 71.4 years) were tested in the between-channel gap detection test by varying the frequency of the stimulus sounds leading and trailing the gap (condition 1: 800-1600Hz; condition 2: 800-3200Hz). The results showed that the gap detection thresholds in the older adults were poorer than those reported for younger subjects. To investigate the relationship between-channel gap detection thresholds and speech perception, a listening test was also conducted in the older adults. Correlations were found in both conditions (1) and (2) in the auditory attention test and in condition (2) in the multiple listening test under speech. Between-channel gap detection threshold has been reported to be related to attentional function. Speech perception in older adults is also related to cognitive function. It is important to look at listening from multiple perspectives in order to understand how ageing affects cognitive function and listening ability.