Clinically Paired Electrodes Are Often Not Perceived as Pitch Matched
Justin M Aronoff1, Monica Padilla2, Julia Stelmach3
1Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA Communication and Neuroscience Division, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA jaronoff@illinois.edu.
Trends in Hearing
|September 20, 2016
Summary
Pitch mismatches are common in bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users, affecting both new and experienced patients. These discrepancies in perceived pitch can potentially limit the benefits of using two CIs together.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) aim to restore hearing in both ears.
- Pitch mismatch, where identical frequency allocations produce different perceived pitches between ears, is a known issue.
- This mismatch may be linked to impaired binaural hearing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pitch mismatches in bilateral CI users.
- To investigate if pitch mismatches persist with extensive CI experience.
Main Methods:
- Pitch matching tests were performed on 16 bilateral CI patients.
- Electrode stimulation and perceived pitch were compared between left and right CIs.
- Clinical frequency maps were analyzed for discrepancies.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 16 participants exhibited significant pitch mismatches.
- Pitch mismatches were found to be prevalent across the study group.
- These mismatches persisted even in users with long-term bilateral CI experience.
Conclusions:
- Pitch mismatches are common in individuals with bilateral cochlear implants.
- The findings suggest that pitch discrepancies may hinder the full benefits of bilateral CI use.
- Further research is needed to address and mitigate pitch mismatches for improved hearing outcomes.
