Infant Speech-in-Noise Perception and Later Phonological Awareness: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

While differences have been found in the ability of infants on a variety of speech perception skills including speech perception in the presence of background noise, the implications of these differences on later language skills are currently unknown. This study examines the relationship between a specific measure of infant speech perception in noise and later phonological awareness outcomes. In order to test this relationship, individuals who participated in Newman's (2005) study on infant speech perception in the presence of background noise were administered a battery of language, phonological awareness, and intelligence tests. Scores from these tests were analyzed to see if performance differences existed between those who had performed well as infants in the original study and those who had not. No significant differences between these two groups were found on the phonological awareness measures. Potential reasons for these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.