Hebrew Digits in Noise (DIN) Test in Cochlear Implant Users and Normal Hearing Listeners

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cochlear implants (CI) aim to restore hearing but speech perception in noise remains a challenge.
• Understanding factors influencing speech recognition in CI users is crucial for improving device efficacy.
• The digits-in-noise (DIN) test is a valuable tool for assessing auditory function in challenging listening conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Hebrew DIN thresholds between cochlear implant (CI) users and normal-hearing (NH) individuals.
• To investigate the impact of age and early auditory exposure on DIN thresholds in CI users.
• To evaluate the correlation between DIN thresholds and other speech perception measures.

Main Methods:

• Participants included children and adults with CI, and age-matched NH controls.
• Speech perception was assessed using the DIN test, monosyllabic word recognition, and sentence identification.
• Tests were conducted in various auditory conditions, including noise.

Main Results:

• CI users demonstrated significantly higher speech reception thresholds in noise than NH peers across all age groups.
• No significant difference in DIN thresholds was found between pre-lingual and post-lingual CI users.
• CI users showed lower accuracy in word and sentence recognition in quiet and noise compared to NH individuals.

Conclusions:

• Cochlear implant users require a greater signal-to-noise ratio to identify digits in noise.
• The DIN test is a sensitive measure for evaluating speech recognition in CI users.
• A comprehensive battery of speech perception tests is recommended for a thorough assessment of CI users' abilities.