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Coding of voice source information in the Nucleus cochlear implant system
P A Jones1, H J McDermott, P M Seligman
1Human Communication Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. Supplement
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Explicitly coding voicing and fundamental frequency information for cochlear implants did not significantly improve speech perception for users of either the Multipeak or Spectral Maxima Sound Processor (SMSP) strategies.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Speech Processing
Background:
- Cochlear implants aim to restore hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve.
- Understanding how cochlear implant strategies encode acoustic cues is crucial for improving speech perception.
- Voice source information (voicing and fundamental frequency) plays a role in speech perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of explicitly coding voicing and fundamental frequency (F0) information in Nucleus cochlear implant strategies.
- To determine if enhanced coding of voice source information improves speech perception in experienced cochlear implant users.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Compared voicing perception in Multipeak users with standard vs. modified (250-Hz constant rate) stimulation.
- Study 2: Compared suprasegmental contrast discrimination in Spectral Maxima Sound Processor (SMSP) users with standard vs. modified (rate-encoded F0) stimulation.
- Utilized consonant, monosyllabic word, intonation, roving stress, and question-statement tests.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in voicing discrimination for Multipeak users between strategies.
- No significant difference in suprasegmental contrast discrimination for SMSP users between strategies.
- Rate-encoded fundamental frequency did not enhance perception for SMSP users.
Conclusions:
- Explicitly coding voice source information via rate of stimulation does not significantly improve speech perception for these cochlear implant users.
- Temporal voicing cues are not primary for Multipeak users.
- Additional rate cues do not enhance suprasegmental discrimination for SMSP users.