Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
06:04
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Cultural Differences in Listening Environments Between Hispanic and White Non-Hispanic Cochlear Implant Users
Alexandria J Lichtl1, Emily R Spitzer1, Susan B Waltzman1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA; and.
Ear and Hearing
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Hispanic and White non-Hispanic cochlear implant (CI) users experience different auditory environments. These differences persist even after accounting for socioeconomic factors, suggesting a cultural influence on listening preferences for CI users.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Prior research indicates normal-hearing Hispanic individuals experience noisier environments than White non-Hispanic individuals.
- Cochlear implant (CI) use may alter auditory experiences, necessitating investigation into environmental differences among CI users.
- Socioeconomic factors like population density significantly correlate with environmental sound exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if auditory environment differences observed in normal-hearing individuals extend to cochlear implant (CI) users.
- To quantify auditory environment characteristics using CI datalogging.
- To determine if these differences persist after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 80 adult CI patients (38 Hispanic, 42 White non-Hispanic).
- Compilation of demographic variables and extraction of socioeconomic data via U.S. Census using home addresses.
- Analysis of CI datalogging data, including device usage and time spent in various sound scenes (noise, quiet, speech in noise, music).
Main Results:
- Hispanic CI users spent significantly more time in "speech in noise," "music," and "noise" compared to White non-Hispanic users.
- White non-Hispanic CI users spent more time in "quiet" and "other" sound scenes.
- Group differences in auditory environments remained significant after controlling for age, CI experience, and population density, with a median daily level difference of approximately 2.4 dB.
Conclusions:
- Distinct auditory environments exist between Hispanic and White non-Hispanic CI users, even when controlling for socioeconomic factors.
- Cultural background and listening preferences may play a role in shaping these auditory environment differences.
- Audiologists should consider patients' cultural backgrounds and listening preferences when counseling on auditory environments for CI users.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hearing
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.