Istanbul Aydin University

Caffeine is a widely consumed substance worldwide and is often used to increase alertness and improve cognitive functions. Caffeine stimulates brain activity by binding to adenosine receptors, which increases alertness instead of sleepiness. Studies on the effects of caffeine on cognitive functions have shown that it improves basic cognitive functions such as attention, reaction time, and alertness, while a less pronounced effect is seen on sensory functions such as vision and hearing. However, no study has been found investigating the effect of caffeine consumption on understanding speech in noise. Understanding speech in noise is a skill that includes not only auditory functions but also cognitive functions. This skill is affected by cognitive elements such as selective attention and executive functions. In this context, it is thought that this study, which aims to examine the relationship between caffeine and understanding speech in noise, will contribute to the literature. 60 participants between the ages of 18-30 will be included in this study. Participants will consist of individuals without hearing loss (SSO<25 dB nHL), no history of neurological or psychological disorders, non-smokers, and those who do not use ototoxic drugs. Participants will be randomly divided into a placebo group that consumes decaffeinated coffee and a study group that consumes coffee containing 300 mg caffeine. The Turkish Matrix Test will be administered 30 minutes after coffee consumption. In addition, participants will be asked to keep a caffeine diary for one week to determine their daily caffeine consumption and will be asked to fill out the Caffeine Use Disorder Scale. Thus, they will be divided into low and high caffeine consumption groups and their speech understanding skills in noise will be compared.

This study aimed to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based restaurant simulation game to improve central auditory processing skills in children with bilateral cochlear implants. The study aims to improve auditory attention, working memory, and speech perception in noise. Children with bilateral cochlear implants between the ages of 10 and 18 will participate in this study, which combines traditional rehabilitation methods with a virtual reality game. The "Hearing in Noise Test" (HINT) assessment tools will be used. The game aims to present interactive scenarios that simulate auditory difficulties encountered in daily life and to improve auditory processing skills. The usability of the game will be tested in the pilot phase. This project aims to bring an innovative approach to rehabilitation programs and to contribute to the social integration of children with hearing loss while increasing social awareness.

A fast tempo and major mode music improves cognitive performance by triggering a feeling of happiness. This study examines the impact of music on hearing performance, hypothesizing that listening to happy music may improve hearing performance in noise. Sixty-three normal hearing subjects aged between 18 and 35 years old were included. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: happy music, sad music, and control groups. The songs composed in minor mode with a tempo of <80 beats per minute were categorized as "sad," while songs composed in major mode with a tempo of >120 beats per minute were categorized as "happy". The Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT) Test and Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) were administered before and immediately after playing the music tracks. Repeated measures ANOVA test was run to compare the changes in measurement scores before and after listening to music.