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Evaluation of the Automatic Classifier AutoSense Sky OS for pediatric cochlear implant users using a virtual
Maartje M E Hendrikse1, André Goedegebure1, Kars R Tjepkema1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, GD 3015, the Netherlands.
Hearing Research
|September 14, 2025
Summary
AutoSense Sky OS in pediatric cochlear implants (CIs) enhances front speech understanding in classrooms but slightly reduces spatial awareness. Most children preferred the automatic setting, balancing intelligibility with awareness.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Pediatric cochlear implants (CIs) aim to restore hearing in children with severe to profound hearing loss.
- Classroom environments present unique listening challenges, including background noise and the need for directional speech understanding.
- Automatic sound classifiers in CIs seek to optimize performance across diverse listening situations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of AutoSense Sky OS on speech intelligibility and spatial awareness in pediatric CI users.
- To assess the effectiveness of the automatic classifier in a simulated classroom setting.
- To determine user preference and subjective performance of the AutoSense Sky OS setting.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind crossover study involving 12 pediatric CI users (ages 7-16).
- Comparison of AutoSense Sky OS activated versus omnidirectional microphone mode.
- Assessment using a virtual reality classroom, loudspeaker array, and subjective take-home ratings.
Main Results:
- AutoSense Sky OS significantly improved speech intelligibility from the front in the virtual classroom.
- A statistically significant but small reduction in spatial awareness was observed with AutoSense Sky OS.
- 8 out of 12 children preferred the AutoSense Sky OS setting, while some noted drawbacks in rear sound localization.
Conclusions:
- The AutoSense Sky OS automatic classifier improves speech understanding in noisy environments like classrooms.
- This improvement comes at the cost of a slight reduction in spatial awareness.
- Individual user preference for AutoSense Sky OS depends on the trade-off between enhanced speech intelligibility and spatial awareness.
