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The Effect of Computer-Based Auditory Training on Speech-in-Noise Perception in Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of computer-based auditory training on speech-in-noise perception in adults. With no language restriction, 11 databases were searched from 1990 to 2020. We included any clinical trial studies with concurrent comparison groups that examined the effectiveness of computer-based auditory training programs in adults. The primary outcome was a speech in noise perception that was estimated using the “difference pretest–posttest-control” index (dppc2). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials. The certainty of the evidence was investigated using the GRADE in two primary outcomes. Twenty three studies were included in two subgroups based on primary outcome: 12 studies with speech perception threshold and 11 studies with speech-in-noise test scores. Computer-based auditory training resulted in a speech in noise perception improvement (dppc2:  −0.69, 95%CI:  −1.11 to  −0.26; I2 = 69.6%, p = 0.00) and (dppc2: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.38–1.03, I2: 17.8%, p = 0.27) respectively in both subgroups. 19 studies were judged to have a high risk of bias and 3 studies had a low risk of bias and the strength of the evidence was low in both primary outcomes. This finding indicates that computer-based auditory training can be a moderately effective intervention for speech-in-noise perception in adults. However, due to the low quality of primary studies and the low certainty of the evidence, the results are not yet definite. Prospero registration number: CRD42021233193.

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Availability of Data and Materials

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Notes

  1. Mean pre-post change in the treatment group minus the mean pre-post change in the control group, divided by the pooled pretest standard deviation.

  2. Standardized mean difference.

Abbreviations

dppc2 :

Difference pretest–posttest-control

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Abbas Keshtkar for his comments on the all stage of this paper http://researchware.org/.

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  1. Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Madadkaran Street, Shahid Shahnazri Street, Madar Square, Mirdamad Boulevard, Tehran, 15459-13847, Iran

    Tayyebe Fallahnezhad, Akram Pourbakht & Reyhane Toufan

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Fallahnezhad, T., Pourbakht, A. & Toufan, R. The Effect of Computer-Based Auditory Training on Speech-in-Noise Perception in Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 75, 4198–4211 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-03920-0

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