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Speech recognition abilities of adults using cochlear implants with FM systems
Erin C Schafer1, Linda M Thibodeau
1Advanced Hearing Research Center, Callier Center for Communication Disorders, University of Texas at Dallas, USA. eschafer@utdallas.edu
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|January 14, 2005
Summary
This study compared speech recognition for normal-hearing adults and cochlear implant (CI) users across different assistive listening systems. Electrically coupled frequency-modulated (FM) systems significantly improved CI users' speech recognition in noise compared to a desktop system.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Normal-hearing individuals and cochlear implant (CI) users often face challenges with speech recognition in noisy environments.
- Assistive listening devices, such as frequency-modulated (FM) systems, aim to improve auditory perception by delivering sound directly to the listener.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different frequency-modulated (FM) system arrangements for speech recognition in noise among adults with normal hearing and those with Nucleus cochlear implants.
- To determine if electrically coupled FM systems offer superior speech recognition benefits for CI users compared to traditional soundfield systems.
Main Methods:
- Speech recognition was assessed using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) with sentences presented in speech noise at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).
- Participants included ten adults with normal hearing and eight adults with Nucleus cochlear implants.
- Performance was measured with a desktop soundfield system and two types of electrically coupled FM systems (body-worn and miniature direct connect) for CI users.
Main Results:
- Normal-hearing listeners showed significant speech recognition improvements in noise when using the desktop soundfield system compared to no FM system.
- Cochlear implant users demonstrated significantly greater improvements in speech recognition in noise with both electrically coupled FM systems compared to the desktop soundfield system.
- No significant difference was found between the two electrically coupled FM systems for CI users.
Conclusions:
- Electrically coupled FM systems provide substantial benefits for speech recognition in noise for individuals with Nucleus cochlear implants.
- While normal-hearing listeners benefit from soundfield systems, direct electrical coupling via FM systems is crucial for maximizing speech understanding in noise for CI users.
- The findings highlight the importance of advanced assistive listening technologies in mitigating hearing challenges for cochlear implant recipients.