Influence of age on speech-in-noise and spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults.

Cognition (MoCA score) was the only significant predictor of speech perception in noise in the co-located condition among middle-aged adults.

• Hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify predictors of SPIN performance in the co-located (0° azimuth) condition.
• MoCA overshadowed age and other variables including noise exposure, physical activity, and mental health status as a predictor.
• Other variables tested (noise exposure via NESI, physical activity via GPAQ, mental status via PHQ-9, and age) were not significant predictors.

None of the tested variables (age, cognition, noise exposure, physical activity, mental health) predicted spatial advantage in middle-aged adults.

• Hierarchical regression analysis found no significant predictors of spatial advantage.
• This was a key finding of the study alongside the co-located condition results.
• Spatial advantage was measured using the Spatial Separation Sentence Test-Kannada (SSST-K).

The older subgroup (51-60 years) showed reduced spatial advantage compared to the younger subgroup (41-50 years).

• Between-group comparisons revealed age-related differences in spatial advantage but not in co-located SPIN scores.
• No age-related differences were found between the two subgroups in SPIN scores for the co-located condition.
• The study used a cross-sectional design with 76 participants divided into two groups: 41-50 years and 51-60 years.

The older subgroup (51-60 years) had significantly lower MoCA scores than the younger subgroup (41-50 years).

• The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess general cognition.
• Lower MoCA scores in the 51-60 year group coincided with their reduced spatial advantage.
• This finding occurred in participants with self-reported normal hearing, without audiometric verification.

Speech perception in noise difficulties, typically associated with older adults, may begin in midlife based on emerging evidence.

• The study investigated SPIN and spatial processing in adults aged 41-60 years.
• A cross-sectional design was used with 76 participants.
• The Spatial Separation Sentence Test-Kannada (SSST-K) was developed and used to evaluate SPIN and spatial processing.
• Absence of audiometric verification, particularly extended high-frequency assessment, limits definitive conclusions about peripheral versus central contributions.

Noise exposure, mental health, and physical activity had no significant influence on SPIN or spatial processing abilities in middle-aged adults.

• Noise exposure was measured using the NESI questionnaire.
• Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).
• Mental health status was measured using the PHQ-9.
• None of these variables were significant in the hierarchical regression analyses.