Effects of musical training on speech understanding in noise

Abstract

For this dissertation, primary aims included investigating the effects of musical training on attention, working memory, and auditory stream segregation as they relate to music perception and speech understanding in noise. Specifically, an evaluation of performance was conducted for musicians and non-musicians using tests of attention (dichotic listening task), working memory (automated operation span task), and auditory stream segregation (i.e., melodic schema-based task, music achievement test, and speech-in-noise tests). By assessing participant performance on specific aspects of attention, working memory, and auditory stream segregation, critical information about the impact of musical training on these factors was gathered.