Comparison of Log- and ERB-spaced spectro-temporal ripple measures and their relationship with speech perception in children
Nethra R. Kumar, Geetha Chinnaraj, Saransh JainAbstract
Objective:
To evaluate spectro-temporal resolution in children using a simplified spectro-temporal ripple direction discrimination (STRt dir ) paradigm with logarithmically spaced ripple (Log) and equivalent rectangular bandwidth (ERB)-spaced ripple stimuli, and to examine their relationship with speech perception and psychophysical tuning curve (PTC) measures.
Design:
A within-subject comparative study design was employed.
Study Sample:
Fifteen children aged 7–10 years with normal hearing participated in the study.
Materials and Methods:
Participants completed STRt dir tasks using Log- and ERB-spaced ripple stimuli under broadband noise (BBN) and narrowband noise (NBN) carrier conditions (500–4000 Hz). Speech perception was assessed in quiet and noise, and frequency selectivity was measured using PTC Q10 values at 500 and 4000 Hz. Relationships between STRt dir thresholds, speech perception, and PTC measures were examined using correlation analyses.
Results:
STRt
dir
thresholds did not differ significantly across carrier conditions for either Log- or ERB-spaced stimuli. STRt
dir
-Log thresholds showed significant negative correlations with speech-in-noise performance (signal-to-noise ratio corresponding to 50% correct performance) across BBN and NBN conditions at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, with a moderate effect size (
Conclusions:
The simplified STRt dir paradigm is feasible in children and demonstrates associations with speech-in-noise performance. Log-spaced ripple stimuli may serve as a potential indicator of spectro-temporal processing in children. However, differences between Log- and ERB-based measures may be influenced by spectral bandwidth, highlighting the need for bandwidth-controlled designs in future studies.