Influence of age on speech-in-noise and spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults.

ABSTRACT: Speech perception in noise (SPIN) difficulties are commonly associated with older adults, but emerging evidence suggests they may begin in midlife. This study investigated SPIN and spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults using the Spatial Separation Sentence Test-Kannada (SSST-K). A cross-sectional design assessed 76 participants aged 41-60 years, divided into two groups (41-50 and 51-60 years). Assessments included: (1) the SSST-K to evaluate SPIN and spatial processing, (2) the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for general cognition, and (3) standardized questionnaires measuring noise exposure (NESI), physical activity (GPAQ), and mental status (PHQ-9). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed two key findings. First, in the co-located (0° azimuth) condition, cognition (Mo

SUBMITTER: Nayak P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12854412 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature