Effect of sudarshankriya yoga on some auditory processing abilities and speech perception in noise among middle aged adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Auditory transduction is the process by which sound is converted to neural impulses to pass via the auditory pathway structures to reach the auditory cortex and for with this auditory physiology oxygenated blood supply is a necessity. SudarshanKriya Yoga (SKY) is known to improve lung functioning and oxygen level in blood circulation. Hence objectives of the present study was to compare the performance of modulation detection threshold, gap detection threshold, pitch discrimination threshold and speech perception in noise among middle aged adults who practice and do not practice SKY. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Middle aged individuals who practiced SKY for a minimum of 1year were considered in the experimental group and who did not practices any form of yoga formed the control group. Auditory processing tests of modulation detection threshold, gap detection threshold and pitch discrimination threshold were assessed along with speech perception in noise. RESULTS: The mean modulation detection threshold and SNR 50 scores showed no significant difference between the groups whereas the pitch discrimination and gap detection thresholds showed a significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: SKY has a variable effect on the auditory processing abilities.