title: Noise reduction improves memory for target language speech in competing native but not foreign language speech.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A hearing aid noise reduction (NR) algorithm reduces the adverse effect of competing speech on memory for target speech for individuals with hearing impairment with high working memory capacity. In the present study, we investigated whether the positive effect of NR could be extended to individuals with low working memory capacity, as well as how NR influences recall performance for target native speech when the masker language is non-native.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sentence-final word identification and recall (SWIR) test was administered to 26 experienced hearing aid users. In this test, target spoken native language (Swedish) sentence lists were presented in competing native (Swedish) or foreign (Cantonese) speech with or without binary masking NR algorithm. After each sentence list, free recall of sentence final words was prompted. Working memory capacity was measured using a reading span (RS) test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recall performance was associated with RS. However, the benefit obtained from NR was not associated with RS. Recall performance was more disrupted by native than foreign speech babble and NR improved recall performance in native but not foreign competing speech.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Noise reduction improved memory for speech heard in competing speech for hearing aid users. Memory for native speech was more disrupted by native babble than foreign babble, but the disruptive effect of native speech babble was reduced to that of foreign babble when there was NR.
authors.affiliation: 1Linnaeus Centre HEAD, Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; 2Eriksholm Research Centre, Oticon A/S, Snekkersten, Denmark; and 3Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Elaine Hoi Ning
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rudner
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lunner
authors.forename: Jerker
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rönnberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000517:prevention & control*; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D013067:Speech Perception