Beyond Accuracy: Cognitive Speed in Speechin-Noise Processing and Its Implications for the Ease of Language Understanding Model.

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Title:	Beyond Accuracy: Cognitive Speed in Speechin-Noise Processing and Its Implications for the Ease of Language Understanding Model.
Authors:	Rönnberg, Jerker^1,2 jerker.ronnberg@liu.se, Marsja, Erik^1,2, Danielsson, Henrik^1,2, Holmer, Emil^1,2, Dahlström, Örjan²
Source:	Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research. May2026, Vol. 69 Issue 5, p2303-2322. 20p.
Subject Terms:	Speech perception, Hearing disorders, Factor analysis, Auditory perception, *Cognition, Noise, Conceptual models, Task performance, Research funding, Executive function, Cognitive processing speed, Hearing aids, Descriptive statistics, Psychology, Reaction time, Data analysis software
Geographic Terms:	Sweden
Abstract:	Purpose: The ease of language understanding (ELU) model predicts two processing streams—fast, implicit prediction and slower, explicit postdiction— challenging single-factor "general speed" accounts. The present study examined whether cognitive speed is unitary or fractionated, whether both speed and accuracy predict speech in noise (SPIN), and how SPIN relates to rapid automatized naming (RAN). Method: Adults with normal hearing or hearing loss (n= 303) from the N200 study completed latency-based tasks indexing long-term memory access, executive control, Working Memory Tests, SPIN, and RAN. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used. Results: Two speed factors emerged—long-term memory access speed and executive speed—contradicting a general speed model. Speed–SPIN associations were small and clearest in easier listening conditions. Executive speed predicted RAN. SPIN correlated with RAN, especially among hard of hearing participants. Conclusions: Cognitive speed fractionates in line with the ELU. Working memory speed, unlike accuracy, does not drive SPIN. Executive speed selectively predicts RAN, and SPIN relates to RAN, supporting SPIN’s potential as an early proxy for cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
	Copyright of Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research is the property of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	Purpose: The ease of language understanding (ELU) model predicts two processing streams—fast, implicit prediction and slower, explicit postdiction— challenging single-factor "general speed" accounts. The present study examined whether cognitive speed is unitary or fractionated, whether both speed and accuracy predict speech in noise (SPIN), and how SPIN relates to rapid automatized naming (RAN). Method: Adults with normal hearing or hearing loss (n= 303) from the N200 study completed latency-based tasks indexing long-term memory access, executive control, Working Memory Tests, SPIN, and RAN. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used. Results: Two speed factors emerged—long-term memory access speed and executive speed—contradicting a general speed model. Speed–SPIN associations were small and clearest in easier listening conditions. Executive speed predicted RAN. SPIN correlated with RAN, especially among hard of hearing participants. Conclusions: Cognitive speed fractionates in line with the ELU. Working memory speed, unlike accuracy, does not drive SPIN. Executive speed selectively predicts RAN, and SPIN relates to RAN, supporting SPIN’s potential as an early proxy for cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	10924388
DOI:	10.1044/2026_JSLHR-25-00773