Effects of listening environment on speech recognition in noise

Abstract

The ability to recognize speech in noisy situations varies among individuals despite normal hearing. Although some of the variation may be related to physiological differences, some may be attributed to environmental experiences. The purpose of this investigation was to examine how everyday listening experiences were related to speech recognition in noise abilities. Using the Hearing in Noise Test, reception thresholds for speech were compared for listener groups who differed in their preferred listening levels for music and signal‐to‐noise ratios for daily communication. Results suggested that speech recognition in noise was related to listening levels. These results have implications for the use of assistive devices to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio in adverse communication situations.