Improve the behavioral auditory attention training effects on the Speech-In-Noise perception with simultaneous electrical stimulation in children with hearing loss: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Auditory attention is an important cognitive factor that significantly affects speech perception in noisy environments. Hearing loss can impact attention, and it can impair speech perception in noise. Auditory attention training improves speech perception in noise in children with hearing loss. Could the combination of transcranial electrical current stimulation (tES) and auditory attention training enhance the speed and effectiveness of stability potentiation improvements? This investigation explores whether applying electrical stimulation alongside targeted auditory tasks can lead to more pronounced and rapid enhancements in cognitive function. Methods: In this study, 24 children with moderate to severe S.N hearing loss were examined. The monaural- selective-auditory-attention test (mSAAT) and the test of everyday-attention-for-children (TEA-CH) were used to investigate auditory attention. The words-in-noise tests evaluated speech perception in noise. A go/no-go task was conducted to record auditory P300 evoked potential. Children were divided into three groups. Group A received auditory attention training. Group B received tDCS. Group C received combined method. The tests were repeated immediately and one month after training. Results: Attention and speech perception improvement was significantly higher for the group that received the combined method compared to the groups that received auditory attention training with sham or tDCS alone (P < 0.001). All three groups showed significant changes one month after the training ended. However, the group that received only tDCS demonstrated a significant decrease in improvement. Conclusion: The study showed that combining auditory attention training with tDCS can improve speech perception in noise for children with hearing loss. Combining behavioral training with tDCS has a more significant impact than using behavioral training alone, and combined method leads to more stability improvements than using tDCS alone.