Temporal processing, spectral processing, and speech perception in noise abilities among individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis

Background: In the literature, the effect of chronic kidney disease on the peripheral auditory system has been well documented. But studies investigating the effect of chronic kidney disease on speech perception and auditory processing abilities are limited. Aims/objectives: The present study investigated the effect of chronic kidney disease on different auditory processing tasks and speech perception in noise among adults. Material and methods: A total of 28 adults participated in the study. Group 1 included 14 individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, and Group 2 included 14 individuals with no known kidney complications. Amplitude modulation detection threshold, gap detection threshold, spectral ripple discrimination threshold, and speech recognition threshold in noise were measured. Independent samples t-test was carried out to investigate whether mean thresholds are significantly different between groups. Results: Results showed poorer gap detection threshold, amplitude modulation detection threshold, spectral ripple discrimination threshold, and speech recognition threshold in noise among individuals with chronic kidney disease compared to individuals with no known kidney complications. Conclusions: The present study showed poorer auditory processing and speech perception abilities in individuals with chronic kidney disease.