Adaptive tests of temporal resolution: Comparison with the gaps-in-noise test in normal-hearing young adults

Comparison of Adaptive and Nonadaptive Gap Detection in Noise Test in Typically Developing Children and Adults

PURPOSE

 The purpose of this study is to examine whether the gap detection thresholds (GDT) obtained are similar between an adaptive and nonadaptive procedure in children and adults.

STUDY DESIGN

 Standard group comparison.

STUDY SAMPLE

 Eighteen typically developing children and 20 young adults with hearing thresholds of 25 dB HL or lower participated in this study.

METHODS

 Forced choice (FC) adaptive GDTs were obtained using psychoacoustic software, and nonadaptive GDTs were obtained using a clinically available gap in noise (GIN) test.

RESULTS

 Both children and adults showed significantly lower GDTs for the FC adaptive procedure when compared with thresholds obtained using the nonadaptive GIN test. GDTs were less variable for FC adaptive procedure when compared with the nonadaptive procedure.

CONCLUSION

 Lower and less variable GDTs can be obtained from children and adults using an FC adaptive procedure.

Acoustics versus linguistics? Context is Part and Parcel to lateralized processing of the parts and parcels of speech

The purpose of this review is to provide an accessible exploration of key considerations of lateralization in speech and non-speech perception using clear and defined language. From these considerations, the primary arguments for each side of the linguistics versus acoustics debate are outlined and explored in context of emerging integrative theories. This theoretical approach entails a perspective that linguistic and acoustic features differentially contribute to leftward bias, depending on the given context. Such contextual factors include stimulus parameters and variables of stimulus presentation (e.g., noise/silence and monaural/binaural) and variances in individuals (sex, handedness, age, and behavioural ability). Discussion of these factors and their interaction is also aimed towards providing an outline of variables that require consideration when developing and reviewing methodology of acoustic and linguistic processing laterality studies. Thus, there are three primary aims in the present paper: (1) to provide the reader with key theoretical perspectives from the acoustics/linguistics debate and a synthesis of the two viewpoints, (2) to highlight key caveats for generalizing findings regarding predominant models of speech laterality, and (3) to provide a practical guide for methodological control using predominant behavioural measures (i.e., gap detection and dichotic listening tasks) and/or neurophysiological measures (i.e., mismatch negativity) of speech laterality.

Detection of Gap and Modulations: Auditory Temporal Resolution Deficits in Adults Who Stutter

BACKGROUND

Recent models of speech production suggest a link between speech production and perception. Persons with stuttering are known to have deficits in sensorimotor timing and exhibit auditory processing problems. Most of the earlier studies have focused on assessing temporal ordering in adults who stutter (AWS), but limited attempts have been made to document temporal resolution abilities in AWS.

METHODS

A group of 16 AWS and 16 age- and gender-matched adults who do not stutter (AWNS) were recruited for the study. Temporal resolution abilities were assessed using the Gap Detection Test and temporal modulation transfer function (TMTF).

RESULTS

The results revealed significant differences in TMTF between AWS and AWNS, but no differences were found in the gap detection thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the sensory representations of the temporal modulations are compromised in AWS, which may contribute to the programming of rhythmic movements during speech planning.