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Remixing Preferences for Western Instrumental Classical Music of Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users
Jonas Althoff1,2, Tom Gajecki1,2, Waldo Nogueira1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Trends in Hearing
|April 13, 2024
Summary
Cochlear implant (CI) users can better enjoy music by remixing instrumental tracks. Findings show CI users prefer specific audio adjustments, particularly for percussion, enhancing their music listening experience.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Music Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CIs) restore sound access for profound hearing loss, enabling good speech perception in quiet.
- Many cochlear implant users experience difficulties enjoying music, despite advancements in hearing technology.
- Improving music accessibility for CI users is crucial for overall quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate modifications of instrumental music to enhance accessibility for cochlear implant users.
- To explore user preferences in remixing music across different domains (amplitude, spatial, spectral).
- To identify how music listening frequency influences remixing preferences in CI users.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two instrumental music datasets: synthesized trios and complex orchestral music.
- Bilateral CI users and normal hearing listeners remixed multitracks (melody, bass, accompaniment, percussion).
- Remixing involved adjustments in amplitude, spatial panning, and spectral characteristics.
Main Results:
- Cochlear implant users showed a preference for panning tracks, especially percussion, towards the right side.
- Significant differences in remixing preferences were observed between frequent and occasional CI music listeners.
- Spatial and spectral modifications influenced music enjoyment for CI users.
Conclusions:
- Instrumental music can be modified to improve accessibility and enjoyment for cochlear implant users.
- User preferences, such as spatial panning, offer a pathway to personalized music experiences for CI users.
- Further research into music processing for CI users can significantly enhance their auditory experience.
