Comparative Study on the Effects of Auditory and Audiovisual Training in Noise for Hearing Aid Users with Hearing Loss

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare improvements in sentence recognition in noise, cognitive function, and communication between an auditory-only group (AOG) and an audiovisual training group (AVG). AVG participants received visual cues (e.g., images or video clips) during auditory training, while AOG received auditory stimuli alone. Methods: Sixteen adults with hearing loss using hearing aids were divided into two groups (eight in AOG and eight in AVG). Each underwent eight sessions of progressive auditory training, moving from word recognition to sentence comprehension in noise. The signal-to-noise ratio was adjusted based on each participant's performance. AVG received both auditory and visual input; AOG received auditory-only input. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in sentence recognition in noise, with AVG demonstrating greater gains. AVG also reported reduced listening effort, based on subjective surveys. Recall scores showed no significant differences between groups or over time. Communication skills, measured by the Brief test of cognitive-communication disorders, improved significantly in both groups, though no statistical difference was found between them. AVG participants reported higher subjective satisfaction, as measured by the client oriented scale of improvement, though this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Audiovisual training enhanced sentence recognition and reduced listening effort more effectively than auditory-only training. These findings support the benefits of multisensory over unisensory auditory rehabilitation approaches for adults with hearing loss and suggest that future studies explore combining auditory training with physical exercise to further improve cognitive outcomes.