Auditory-cognitive training is associated with selective reorganization of alpha-band connectivity during speech-in-noise comprehension

Older adults with hearing loss often struggle to understand speech in background noise because degraded auditory input increases demand on attention, working memory, and control. Auditory-cognitive training (ACT) can improve speech-in-noise (SiN) comprehension, but whether such gains are accompanied by changes in large-scale neural connectivity remains poorly understood....

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Preliminary evidence that auditory-cognitive training reorganizes alpha-band brain connectivity in older adults with hearing loss is intriguing, but sample size and study design details are unknown; no practice change is warranted until replicated in larger controlled trials.

Demonstrating selective neural plasticity from auditory-cognitive training in older adults with hearing loss supports the scientific basis for rehabilitation programs that go beyond amplification alone.

1. 01Auditory-cognitive training was associated with selective reorganization of alpha-band (8–12 Hz) neural connectivity.
2. 02Changes were observed specifically during speech-in-noise comprehension tasks in older adults with hearing loss.
3. 03Study published in NeuroImage, a high-impact neuroimaging journal.
4. 04Findings suggest targeted, not global, brain network changes following training.
5. 05Results support neuroplasticity as a mechanism underlying auditory rehabilitation benefits.

PMID

42612712

DOI

10.1016/j.neuroimage.2026.122174.

Journal

NeuroImage

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Older adults with hearing loss

Intervention

Auditory-cognitive training program