Benefits of localization and speech perception with multiple noise sources in listeners with a short-electrode cochlear implant

Camille C Dunn; Ann Perreau; Bruce Gantz; Richard S Tyler

doi:10.3766/jaaa.21.1.6

Back

Benefits of localization and speech perception with multiple noise sources in listeners with a short-electrode cochlear implant

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Benefits of localization and speech perception with multiple noise sources in listeners with a short-electrode cochlear implant

Camille C Dunn, Ann Perreau, Bruce Gantz and Richard S Tyler

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Vol.21(1), pp.44-51

01/2010

DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.21.1.6

PMCID: PMC2809934

PMID: 20085199

View Online

Abstract

Research suggests that for individuals with significant low-frequency hearing, implantation of a short-electrode cochlear implant may provide benefits of improved speech perception abilities. Because this strategy combines acoustic and electrical hearing within the same ear while at the same time preserving low-frequency residual acoustic hearing in both ears, localization abilities may also be improved. However, very little research has focused on the localization and spatial hearing abilities of users with a short-electrode cochlear implant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate localization abilities for listeners with a short-electrode cochlear implant who continue to wear hearing aids in both ears. A secondary purpose was to document speech perception abilities using a speech-in-noise test with spatially separate noise sources. Eleven subjects that utilized a short-electrode cochlear implant and bilateral hearing aids were tested on localization and speech perception with multiple noise locations using an eight-loudspeaker array. Performance was assessed across four listening conditions using various combinations of cochlear implant and/or hearing aid use. Results for localization showed no significant difference between using bilateral hearing aids and bilateral hearing aids plus the cochlear implant. However, there was a significant difference between the bilateral hearing aid condition and the implant plus use of a contralateral hearing aid for all 11 subjects. Results for speech perception showed a significant benefit when using bilateral hearing aids plus the cochlear implant over use of the implant plus only one hearing aid. Combined use of both hearing aids and the cochlear implant show significant benefits for both localization and speech perception in noise for users with a short-electrode cochlear implant. These results emphasize the importance of low-frequency information in two ears for the purpose of localization and speech perception in noise.

Follow-Up Studies

Hearing Loss - physiopathology

Noise

Humans

Middle Aged

Prosthesis Design

Speech Perception - physiology

Acoustic Stimulation - methods

Time Factors

Aged, 80 and over

Hearing Loss - rehabilitation

Aged

Cochlear Implants

Hearing Loss - surgery

Details

Title: Subtitle: Benefits of localization and speech perception with multiple noise sources in listeners with a short-electrode cochlear implant
Creators: Camille C Dunn - Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1078, USA. camille-dunn@uiowa.edu
Ann Perreau
Bruce Gantz
Richard S Tyler
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Vol.21(1), pp.44-51
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.21.1.6
PMID: 20085199
PMCID: PMC2809934
NLM abbreviation: J Am Acad Audiol
ISSN: 1050-0545
eISSN: 2157-3107
Publisher: United States
Grant note: P50 DC000242-22 / NIDCD NIH HHS 5 P50 DC00242 / NIDCD NIH HHS P50 DC000242 / NIDCD NIH HHS M01-RR-59 / NCRR NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 01/2010
Academic Unit: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984002310602771

Metrics

25 Record Views

96 Times Cited - Web of Science