Neural responses to speech in people with auditory processing disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neural responses to speech in people with auditory processing disorder
IRAS ID
180806
Contact name
Tobias Reichenbach
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Auditory processing disorder refers to a difficulty with hearing or listening caused by the brain not processing sound in the normal way. It often leads to a difficulty with understanding speech in challenging acoustic environments such as when other competing speakers or other background noise is present.
The specifics of the neural impairments, however, remain unknown. This is partly because we still understand only little about the neural mechanisms by which a healthy brain processes complex acoustic signals such as speech. Recent research on healthy people has shown that cortical oscillations may be involved in the processing of speech. In particular, it has been found that the multi-timescale neural oscillations in the cerebral cortex track the multi-timescale features of speech.
In this study we aim to investigate the research hypothesis that this mechanism is impaired in people with auditory processing disorder. To this end we will assess brain responses to speech in people with auditory processing disorder using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a safe, non-invasive method consisting in recording the brain electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp. If successful, the study will evidence a specific neural impairment that is involved in auditory processing disorder. This will contribute to a better understanding as well as to a better diagnosis of this disorder.
Summary of Results
Impaired comprehension of speech in noise as well as altered cortical tracking of speech rhythms was found.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1535
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion