Nina Kraus|Travis White?Schwoch
Listening in the Din
Western University|Western University
figure neural responses speech noise collected preschoolers response consonant highlighted blue evaluated respect timing fast response consistency stable response across trials harmonic representation well key frequencies processed combined three metrics powerfully predicted well child preliteracy tests top graph adapted plos biol 2015137e1002196early childhood listening however acoustic environments often compromise soundtomeaning mapping children bombarded relentless din noise presents challenge us children face special difficulty language skills development brains yet tuned extract meaningful sounds noise automaticallyfigure nina kraus phdfigure travis whiteschwochour view background noise disrupts brain mechanisms important language development several lines evidence support hypothesis children auditory processing disordera hallmark difficulty listening noiseare often diagnosed reading impairment children dyslexia specific language impairment also struggle understand speech noise noise disrupts neural coding consonants vowels critical learn consonants part phonemic inventory augmenting classroom signaltonoise ratios assistive listening devices leads stronger reading outcomes underlying brain functions predicting literacy use electrophysiology evaluate brain makes sense speech noise hone detailed aspects consonants encoded particular ask fast response well key harmonic frequencies encoded consistently brain responds also administer standardized tests prereading skills phonological awareness knowledge sound contrasts meaningful speech rapid naming ability fluently recite written symbols recently asked responses predict early literacy skills using statistical techniques allow three metrics mentioned make unique contribution1 4yearold children integrity consonants processed noise strongly predicted early literacy relationship consistent profound accuracy remarkable 85 percent children could predict performance within three points next tested 3yearold children young take behavioral test could undergo electrophysiological testing measures speech processing predicted performance early literacy tests one year later fact could make accurate longitudinal forecasts children finally could predict schoolage childrens performance constellation literacy skills using neurophysiological measures addition electrophysiology correctly identified 75 percent children learning disability 90 percent children typically developing therefore method represents powerful approach distinguish children likely succeed literacy development process identify smaller group candidates indepth evaluation treatment implications one clear outcome work discovery biological marker early literacy electrophysiology objective fast requires minimal cooperation patient 20 minutes capture biological looking glass hearing brain progress reading development early interventions extremely effective staving lifelong struggle read approaches efficacious age 5 identify children early risk literacy difficulties provide necessary tools jumpstart reading development audiologists clear role process healthcare providers experts evaluating young children electrophysiological approach similar auditory brainstem response substituting consonants noise clicks tones indeed responses reliable infants would argue consonants noise used screen newborn hearing brain language impairment regarding intervention results highlight role hearing noise plays language development radical idea provide listeninginnoise training young children teach children zero speech noisy environments transform everyday listening everyday learning