Working Memory and Speech Recognition Performance in Noise: Implicationsfor Classroom Accommodations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare children’s performance on speech recognition and working memory tasks with two noise source configurations: back and side. Method: Children with normal hearing between the ages of 8-10 years of age participated in this study. Working memory and speech recognition in noise were administered in a counterbalanced manner across listening conditions. Results: Speech recognition performance in noise was significantly poorer when presented at 180 than from 90 degrees azimuth. There was no effect of noise source configuration on working memory performance. However, working memory performance in noise, regardless of position, were significantly poorer compared to quiet. No relationship was present between auditory working memory in noise and speech recognition in noise, when noise was presented at 90° azimuth. Conclusion: Children use perceptual cues and cognitive resources based on the difficulty of the task and audibility of the signal, Cognitive resources are largely called upon when listening conditions are more adverse and tasks become complex.