Effects of neurofeedback training on the alpha activity in quantitative electroencephalography, cognitive function, and speech perception in elderly with presbycusis: a quasi-experimental study.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of neurofeedback training (NFT) on alpha activity in quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), cognitive function, and speech perception in elderly with presbycusis.

Methods: This study was conducted from June 15 to November 30, 2020. The experimental group (n = 28) underwent NFT, while the control group (n = 31) was instructed to continue with their routine daily life. The NFT conducted for 40 min, two times a week, for a total of 16 sessions and was performed using Neuroharmony S and BrainHealth 2.7. The alpha activity was measured as alpha waves using QEEG. The cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of Mini-Mental Status Examination, digit span forward and backward (DSF and DSB). The speech perception was measured using the word and sentence recognition score (WRS and SRS) using an audiometer with the Korean Standard Monosyllabic Word Lists for Adults.

Results: The experimental group demonstrated improvement in the alpha wave of the left frontal lobe measured as alpha activity (t=-2.521, p = .018); MMSE-K (t=-3.467, p < .01), and DSF (t=-2.646, p < .05) measured as cognitive function; and WRS (t=-3.255, p = .003), and SRS (t=-2.851, p = .008) measured as speech perception compared to the control group.

Conclusions: This study suggests that NFT could be considered an effective cognitive and auditory rehabilitation method based on brain and cognitive science for improving alpha activity, cognitive function, and speech perception.