Musical training affects older adults' speech perception in a noisy environment

Dr. Nina Kraus's research at Northwestern University explores how musical training affects speech perception, especially in noisy environments. Her studies show that musicians, even those with hearing impairments, are better at discerning speech from background noise. This advantage is due to the brain's ability to focus on important sounds, a skill honed through musical practice. The research suggests that musical experiences have long-lasting effects on the brain, potentially influencing educational reforms and improving interpersonal relationships.

How can past musical experiences continue to impact the adult brain?

What are the potential implications of understanding how the brain responds to musical training?