Speech Perception in Noise in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease where inflammatory processes disrupt auditory networks in the brain that are required for understanding speech. This thesis investigated how people with MS understand speech in noisy and distracting environments that are similar to what we experience on a daily basis in social, work and learning settings. Tests confirmed that people with MS are more susceptible to distracting background noise, particularly in the presence of several speakers. This thesis also identified a potential clinical use for speech processing tests to monitor disease changes due to their ease of use, speed, and cost effectiveness.