Perceptual training affects linguistic release from masking

Understanding speech in noisy conditions is a problem faced by all listeners. Previous studies have shown that listeners understand target speech better when background speech (masker) is in a different language. This is called Linguistic Release from Masking (LRM). In the current study, we examined whether training on identifying speech in noisy conditions can modulate LRM. In a pre-test/training/post-test design, 60 monolingual American English listeners transcribed English sentences presented in noisy backgrounds. In the pre-test and post-test, all listeners transcribed sentences presented with both English and Dutch maskers without feedback. During training, participants were randomly assigned to transcribe target sentences with Dutch, English, or white noise maskers and received feedback. Results showed an LRM effect in the pre-test; participants transcribed the target sentences better with a Dutch than with an English masker. After training, participants improved in all conditions, but greater improvements in the English masker condition eliminated LRM. Results provide insight into the role of perceptual learning as well as into the nature of informational masking effects underlying LRM. This study serves as a basis for future research examining improvement for speech in speech recognition and changes in LRM.