Uses of Linguistic Context in Speech Listening: Does Acquired Hearing Loss Lead to Reduced Engagement of Prediction?

Fernandez, Leigh B; Pickering, Martin J; Naylor, Graham; Hadley, Lauren V

Abstract

Research investigating the complex interplay of cognitive mechanisms involved in speech listening for people with hearing loss has been gaining prominence. In particular, linguistic context allows the use of several cognitive mechanisms that are not well distinguished in hearing science, namely those relating to "postdiction", "integration", and "prediction". We offer the perspective that an unacknowledged impact of hearing loss is the differential use of predictive mechanisms relative to age-matched individuals with normal hearing. As evidence, we first review how degraded auditory input leads to reduced prediction in people with normal hearing, then consider the literature exploring context use in people with acquired postlingual hearing loss. We argue that no research on hearing loss has directly assessed prediction. Because current interventions for hearing do not fully alleviate difficulty in conversation, and avoidance of spoken social interaction may be a mediator between hearing loss and cognitive decline, this perspective could lead to greater understanding of cognitive effects of hearing loss and provide insight regarding new targets for intervention.

Citation

Fernandez, L. B., Pickering, M. J., Naylor, G., & Hadley, L. V. (2024). Uses of Linguistic Context in Speech Listening: Does Acquired Hearing Loss Lead to Reduced Engagement of Prediction?. Ear and Hearing, 45(5), 1107-1114. https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000001515

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 13, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 17, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 18, 2025
• Journal: Ear and Hearing
• Print ISSN: 0196-0202
• Electronic ISSN: 1538-4667
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 1107-1114
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000001515
• Keywords: Context; Hearing loss; Prediction
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/33830439
• Publisher URL: https://journals.lww.com/ear-hearing/fulltext/9900/uses_of_linguistic_context_in_speech_listening_.296.aspx