A mathematical model of vowel identification by users of cochlear implants

A simple mathematical model is presented that predicts vowel identification by cochlear implant users based on these listeners' resolving power for the mean locations of first, second, and/or third formant energies along the implanted electrode array. This psychophysically based model provides hypotheses about the mechanism cochlear implant users employ to encode and process the input auditory signal to extract information relevant for identifying steady-state vowels. Using one free parameter, the model predicts most of the patterns of vowel confusions made by users of different cochlear implant devices and stimulation strategies, and who show widely different levels of speech perception (from near chance to near perfect). Furthermore, the model can predict results from the literature, such as Skinner, et al. [(1995). Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. 104, 307-311] frequency mapping study, and the general trend in the vowel results of Zeng and Galvin's [(1999). Ear Hear. 20, 60-74] studies of output electrical dynamic range reduction. The implementation of the model presented here is specific to vowel identification by cochlear implant users, but the framework of the model is more general. Computational models such as the one presented here can be useful for advancing knowledge about speech perception in hearing impaired populations, and for providing a guide for clinical research and clinical practice.