Neurophysiological biomarkers of speech-in-competition performance under different conditions of attentional load

Abstract

A body of research has identified a complex integration of perceptual and cognitive processes that can modulate comprehension of speech-in-competition (SIC). However, it is not well understood how the neurophysiological correlates associated with SIC performance vary under different conditions of attentional load. Here, we analyzed the neurophysiological correlates of a SIC task using variations in masker type (spatialization, gender, language), target-to-masker ratios (TMRs), and presence of a simultaneous working memory (WM) task to manipulate attentional load during SIC performance. We used a counter-balanced block design to record EEG in each condition in 15 undergraduate young adults without hearing difficulties. SIC was assessed using the spatial release from masking task in the PART digital application. Behavioral results indicated significant differences in accuracy depending on TMR across types of maskers. We did not observe behavioral differences in SIC performance associated with the inclusion of a parallel WM task. Quantitative EEG showed a series of potential EEG biomarkers that can complement behavioral measurement in discriminating different attentional load conditions of SIC performance. These post hoc observations are discussed in relation to the extant literature and will be further investigated in future work.