Perceptual consistency in phoneme categorization is driven by neural consistency and predicts improved speech-in-noise performance

Listeners discretize the speech signal by assigning sounds to phonetic categories, though there is variability in how individuals accomplish categorization. Having more consistent categorization of sounds may be advantageous for understanding speech-in-noise (SIN). Though, it is unclear how different levels of neural processing in the auditory system reflect these perceptual differences....

Neural consistency in phoneme (speech-sound) processing may be a useful biomarker for predicting real-world speech-in-noise performance, but this preprint requires peer review before it can inform clinical assessment tools.

If neural consistency proves to be a robust predictor of speech-in-noise outcomes, it could guide the development of objective audiological tests that go beyond standard hearing thresholds to forecast a patient's communicative function.

1. 01Perceptual consistency in identifying speech sounds is linked to consistency in underlying brain responses.
2. 02Greater neural consistency predicts better speech understanding in noisy environments.
3. 03Findings are based on individual-listener variability, highlighting the importance of person-level neural differences.
4. 04Could support development of objective neural biomarkers for clinical speech-in-noise assessment.
5. 05Study is a preprint on bioRxiv and awaits peer review.

PMID

42427601

DOI

10.64898/2026.07.02.736174.

Journal

bioRxiv

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Individual listeners varying in speech-in-noise ability

Intervention

Neural consistency measurement during phoneme categorization tasks