Comparison of the MMN findings and level of the speech intelligibility in noise with turkish matrix test before and after auditory training in the elderly using hearing aids

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of auditory training on the speech discrimination in noise in elderly people using hearing aids. 33 individuals using hearing aids were included in the study. 17 individuals (mean age 72.17 ± 6.9 years) in the study group underwent auditory education program. 16 individuals (mean age 71,75±6,8) who did not want to participate in the auditory training program were included in the control group. The auditory training program was implemented by the same educational audiologist once a week for a total of eight sessions. In the study group, Mismatch Negativity (MMN) test and Turkish Matrix Test were performed before and after auditory training. In the control group, all evaluation tests were applied simultaneously with the study group. According to the findings, in the study group, shortening of latency was obtained in the last MMN test (mean 189,60 ±27,93 ms) compared to the first MMN test (mean 199,38±21,52 ms) and last Turkish Matrix test score (mean 1,07±3,01dB) improved according to first test (mean 2,12±3,42 dB). In the control group, there was no significant difference between the first and last test results (mean first and last MMN 192,28±13,68 ms and 193,71±15,25; first and last Turkish Matrix Test 2,13±3,02 dB and 1,17±3,85 dB (p> 0.05). The change in cortical plasticity was indicated by MMN. The auditory education program prepared for the study was effective in improving speech discrimination in the elderly. As a result, in elderly with use hearing aids, with auditory training, changes in cortical plasticity and improvement in speech discrimination in noise have been achieved.