MCI Speech in Noise

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults diagnosed with or suspected to have MCI (for MCI group) or are cognitivelynormal (for Control group)

• Absence of other risk factors that might affect CAP (Central Auditory Processing)performance (e.g., active ear infections, congenital developmental delay, severehearing loss)

• Age 55-80

• Normal hearing sensitivity (<40 dB HL Pure Tone Average (average of 500, 1000, 2000Hz) thresholds bilaterally

• Normal middle ear function defined by tympanometry (0.3-2.0 ml)

• Native English speaker

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active ear infections or abnormal middle ear pathology

• Other health condition prohibiting the completion of the CAP test battery

• Mild to profound peripheral hearing loss (>40 dB (decibel) HL (hearing loss) PureTone Average (average of 500, 1000, 2000 Hz) bilaterally

• Adults unable to consent

• Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)

• Prisoners

• History of CNS (Central Nervous System) disorder that might severely impactcognitive function (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiplesclerosis, neurosyphilis, intracranial tumors, history of significant head traumawith loss of consciousness (≥30 min), and cerebrovascular disease)

• Severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)

• Current, uncontrolled medical condition that could affect cognition (e.g.,hypertension)

• History of substance use disorder within the (other than nicotine/caffeine)

• Non-correctable severe hearing or vision loss

• Use of "Cognition Enhancing Drugs"

• Frequent, severe headaches (occasional headaches or migraines are fine)