Speech Intelligibility in Noise With a Pinna Effect Imitating Cochlear Implant Processor.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Cochlear implants (CI) are crucial for hearing restoration in severe-to-profound hearing loss.
• Improving speech intelligibility in noisy environments remains a key challenge for CI users.
• New microphone technologies aim to enhance directional hearing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a new cochlear implant (CI) processor featuring a pinna effect-imitating directional microphone system.
• To compare speech intelligibility in noise between the new Sonnet CI processor and the older Opus 2 processor.
• To assess the impact of directional microphone modes on speech reception thresholds (SRT) in various noise conditions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective experimental study conducted at a tertiary referral center.
• Ten experienced unilateral CI recipients with bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss participated.
• Speech in noise tests were performed using the Opus 2 (omnidirectional) and Sonnet (omnidirectional and directional) processors across four spatial noise settings.

Main Results:

• The Sonnet processor's directional mode significantly improved SRTs by 3.6 dB (S0N180), 2.2 dB (S0NIL), and 1.3 dB (S0NCL) compared to its omnidirectional mode.
• No significant difference in SRT was observed when noise originated from the same direction as speech (S0N0).
• No performance differences were found between the Opus 2 and Sonnet processors in omnidirectional mode.

Conclusions:

• The Sonnet CI processor with its directional mode demonstrates statistically significant improvements in speech intelligibility in noise.
• The pinna effect-imitating directionality of the Sonnet system offers potential benefits for CI users in noisy environments.
• This advancement in CI technology may enhance communication and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.