Listening performance in background noise and subjective hearing: a comparison among young adults, older adults, and adults with listening difficulties

To investigate subjective and objective listening abilities in noise in young adults, older adults with normal hearing, and adults with listening difficulties (LiD).

This study examined 20 young adults, 20 older adults with normal hearing, and 20 adults with LiD. All participants underwent pure-tone audiometry and the Hearing in Noise Test－Japanese version (HINT-J) and completed the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ).

All groups had normal hearing thresholds (125－8,000 Hz). Older adults with normal hearing performed worse on the HINT-J than young adults, while adults with LiD reported greater subjective LiD on the SSQ. No significant correlations were found between HINT-J and SSQ scores with any group. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of both the HINT-J (χ²(2)=17.9, p<0.01) and SSQ (χ²(2)=38.7, p<0.01).

Despite normal audiometric thresholds, older adults with normal hearing and adults with LiD experience distinct LiD in noisy environments, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment beyond traditional audiometry. Future research should focus on developing more sensitive diagnostic tools.