[Phoneme discrimination training with experienced cochlear implant listeners].

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Speech and Hearing Sciences

Background:

• Computer-based auditory training is a valuable tool for auditory rehabilitation in cochlear implant (CI) recipients.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the learning mechanisms and efficacy of these auditory training programs.
• The study focuses on evaluating a specific phoneme discrimination training program for experienced CI users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a computerised auditory training program.
• To evaluate phoneme discrimination improvements in adult cochlear implant (CI) listeners.
• To investigate the impact of targeted training on consonant and vowel sound perception.

Main Methods:

• 15 adult CI users with over 2 years of CI experience participated.
• Participants engaged in computer-based phoneme discrimination training twice weekly for 3 weeks.
• Training materials included syllables for consonant (vCv) and vowel (cVc) discrimination.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in phoneme discrimination for both consonants and vowels were observed.
• Enhanced discrimination was more pronounced for consonants compared to vowels.
• Significant gains were noted in the differentiation of both voiced and unvoiced consonants.

Conclusions:

• Computerised auditory training using phonemes effectively enhances phoneme discrimination abilities in CI listeners.
• The training program demonstrated a positive impact on the perception of both consonant and vowel sounds.
• This approach offers a promising avenue for improving auditory skills in individuals with cochlear implants.