Task-optimal auditory attention set restored as fast in older as in younger adults after distraction

The present study investigated how fast younger and older adults recovered from a distracted attentional state induced by rare, unpredictable sound events. The attentional state was characterized by the auditory N1 event-related potential (ERP), which is enhanced for sound events in the focus of attention. Younger (19–26 years) and older (62–74 years) adults listened to continuous tones containing rare pitch changes (glides) and short gaps....