Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Effect of digital frequency compression (DFC) on speech recognition in candidates for combined electric and acoustic
René H Gifford1, Michael F Dorman, Anthony J Spahr
1Arizona State University, Tempe, USA. gifford.rene@mayo.edu
Purpose:
To compare the effects of conventional amplification (CA) and digital frequency compression (DFC) amplification on the speech recognition abilities of candidates for a partial-insertion cochlear implant, that is, candidates for combined electric and acoustic stimulation (EAS).
Method:
The participants were 6 patients whose audiometric thresholds at 500 Hz and below were
Results:
Group mean scores were not statistically different in the CA and DFC conditions. However, 2 patients received substantial benefit in DFC conditions. APHAB scores suggested increased ease of communication, but also increased aversive sound quality.
Conclusion:
Results suggest that a relatively small proportion of individuals who meet EAS candidacy will receive substantial benefit from a DFC hearing aid and that a larger proportion will receive at least a small benefit when speech is presented against a background of noise. This benefit, however, comes at a cost-aversive sound quality.
