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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
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Spatial Hearing by Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users With Temporal Fine-Structure Processing
Sebastián A Ausili1,2, Martijn J H Agterberg1,3, Andreas Engel4
1Department of Biophysics, Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Neurology
|October 26, 2020
Summary
Bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) offer advantages, but binaural cue processing, like interaural timing differences (ITDs), remains challenging. Fine-structure (FS) processing did not significantly improve ITD perception in group tests, though some users showed enhanced spatial hearing.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
Background:
- Bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) is common for severe to profound hearing loss.
- Understanding binaural cue processing (ITDs, ILDs) is crucial for spatial hearing in CI users.
- The impact of fine-structure (FS) temporal processing on binaural hearing with bilateral CIs is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate binaural cue sensitivity (ITD and ILD) in bilateral CI users.
- To evaluate the effect of FS temporal processing on ITD and ILD perception.
- To assess sound localization abilities in relation to FS processing and binaural cue sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- 25 adult bilateral CI users (MED-EL devices) participated.
- Psychophysical measurements of ITD and ILD sensitivity were conducted.
- Free-field sound localization experiments were performed with and without FS processing.
Main Results:
- Bilateral CI users showed good ILD sensitivity but poor ITD sensitivity.
- FS coding strategy did not improve ITD processing for spatial hearing on a group level.
- Individual variability was high, with some users demonstrating good localization skills and exploiting temporal cues.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral CI listeners have limited access to ITD cues crucial for low-frequency spatial hearing.
- FS processing does not universally enhance binaural cue processing in bilateral CI users.
- Some bilateral CI users can utilize subtle temporal cues for improved spatial perception, indicating potential for personalized strategies.
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