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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Influence of speech-coding strategy on cortical activity in cochlear implant users: a positron emission tomographic
1Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. fujiki@ent.kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|December 31, 1998
Summary
The spectral peak strategy (SPEAK) for cochlear implants (CI) improved speech-tracking performance and activated more auditory association areas compared to the Multipeak (MPEAK) strategy. This suggests SPEAK enhances speech processing networks in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cochlear implants (CI) are vital for hearing restoration.
- Different speech-coding strategies impact CI efficacy.
- Understanding cortical activity differences is crucial for optimizing CI performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of two cochlear implant speech-coding strategies, Multipeak (MPEAK) and spectral peak (SPEAK), on cortical activity.
- To evaluate speech-tracking performance differences between MPEAK and SPEAK users.
- To investigate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes associated with each strategy.
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to measure rCBF.
- Participants used either MPEAK or SPEAK 22-channel cochlear implant systems.
- rCBF was recorded during silent rest, noise, and speech stimuli.
Main Results:
- Speech-tracking performance was significantly higher in the SPEAK group compared to the MPEAK group.
- Noise stimuli increased rCBF primarily in the auditory cortex.
- Speech stimuli elicited a stronger rCBF increase in the auditory association area for the SPEAK group than the MPEAK group.
Conclusions:
- The SPEAK strategy demonstrates superior speech-tracking performance in cochlear implant users.
- SPEAK appears to activate more extensive speech processing neuronal networks within the auditory association cortex compared to MPEAK.
- These findings suggest SPEAK may offer enhanced auditory processing benefits for CI recipients.

