Effect of Speaking Rate and Sentence Context on Comprehension and Recognition Memory of Degraded Speech

Variability in speaking rate and sentence context affects the cognitive processing of speech. Individuals relying on a degraded speech signal may be particularly susceptible to these effects. In this study, we examine how artificial alterations to speaking rates and sentence context affect sentence comprehension and recognition memory for cochlear implant (CI) users and normal-hearing (NH) adults presented with...

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Findings suggest that varying speaking rate and sentence context meaningfully affect comprehension and memory for degraded-signal listeners; audiologists counseling cochlear implant or hearing aid users on communication strategies may note these factors, though clinical protocols should await replication.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Understanding how speaking rate and sentence context jointly shape comprehension in degraded-signal listeners could inform rehabilitation guidance and hearing-assistive technology design.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Speaking rate variability affects both comprehension and recognition memory of degraded speech.
02Sentence context (meaningful vs. low-context) modulates how well degraded speech is understood and recalled.
03Findings are especially relevant to cochlear implant users and others relying on degraded auditory signals.
04Published in JSLHR (Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research).
05Results may inform counseling strategies around communication environments for hearing-device users.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Speaking rate variability affects comprehension of degraded speech.

studypartially supported

Sentence context affects recognition memory for degraded speech.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42600158
DOI: 10.1044/2026_JSLHR-25-00491.
Journal: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Individuals relying on degraded auditory signals (e.g., cochlear implant users or simulated degraded-speech listeners)
Intervention: Manipulation of speaking rate variability and sentence context during degraded speech presentation
Comparator: Conditions varying in speaking rate and/or sentence context

Primary outcomes

Speech comprehension accuracy; Recognition memory for degraded speech

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