Neural mechanisms of speech-in-noise perception

Speech-in-noise perception is a critical aspect of human auditory processing, with significant implications for effective communication in everyday environments. Despite advances in auditory neuroscience, understanding how the brain manages to extract meaningful speech signals from background noise remains a major challenge. Current problems in the field include identifying the precise neural circuits and temporal dynamics involved, as well as determining the influence of cognitive factors such as attention, memory, and language experience on neural processing. Ongoing debates center around the respective contributions of cortical and subcortical structures, the impact of aging or hearing loss, and the variability in individual abilities to perceive speech in noise. While recent neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies have begun to map out the brain regions and neural codes associated with speech-in-noise perception, a comprehensive model that integrates these findings and addresses inter-individual differences is still lacking.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying human speech perception in noisy environments. The objective is to bring together research that explores how different neural systems contribute to the segregation and decoding of speech in complex auditory scenes. Key questions include: Which neural pathways and processes are most critical for robust speech-in-noise perception? How do attention and learning modulate neural representations in challenging listening conditions? What insights can be drawn from clinical populations with impaired speech-in-noise perception, and how might these inform interventions or assistive technologies?The scope of this Research Topic includes experimental, theoretical, and translational research relating to the neural basis of speech-in-noise perception in humans. Both basic and applied studies are welcome, but animal models should directly advance understanding relevant to human mechanisms. We encourage submissions on, but not limited to, the following themes:o Neural encoding and decoding of speech in background noiseo Network and circuit-level contributions to speech-in-noise perceptiono Modulatory roles of cognition, attention, and language experienceo Age-related and clinical differences in neural speech-in-noise processingo Neuroplasticity and training interventions for improved speech-in-noise comprehensiono Methodological advances in brain imaging or electrophysiology for studying speech-in-noise perception Topic editors: Gavin M. Bidelman, Li Shen, G. Nike Gnanateja, Anna Dondzillo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83004/neural-mechanisms-of-speech-in-noise-perception