Verification of a Proposed Clinical Electroacoustic Test Protocol for Personal Digital Modulation Receivers Coupled to Cochlear Implant Sound Processors

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (07) ◽  
pp. 625-635
Author(s):  
Erika L. Nair ◽  
Rhonda Sousa ◽  
Shannon Wannagot
Keyword(s):  
American Academy ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Cochlear Nucleus ◽  
Behavioral Testing ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Digital Modulation ◽  
Sound Processor

AbstractGuidelines established by the AAA currently recommend behavioral testing when fitting frequency modulated (FM) systems to individuals with cochlear implants (CIs). A protocol for completing electroacoustic measures has not yet been validated for personal FM systems or digital modulation (DM) systems coupled to CI sound processors. In response, some professionals have used or altered the AAA electroacoustic verification steps for fitting FM systems to hearing aids when fitting FM systems to CI sound processors. More recently steps were outlined in a proposed protocol.The purpose of this research is to review and compare the electroacoustic test measures outlined in a 2013 article by Schafer and colleagues in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology titled “A Proposed Electroacoustic Test Protocol for Personal FM Receivers Coupled to Cochlear Implant Sound Processors” to the AAA electroacoustic verification steps for fitting FM systems to hearing aids when fitting DM systems to CI users.Electroacoustic measures were conducted on 71 CI sound processors and Phonak Roger DM systems using a proposed protocol and an adapted AAA protocol. Phonak’s recommended default receiver gain setting was used for each CI sound processor manufacturer and adjusted if necessary to achieve transparency.Electroacoustic measures were conducted on Cochlear and Advanced Bionics (AB) sound processors. In this study, 28 Cochlear Nucleus 5/CP810 sound processors, 26 Cochlear Nucleus 6/CP910 sound processors, and 17 AB Naida CI Q70 sound processors were coupled in various combinations to Phonak Roger DM dedicated receivers (25 Phonak Roger 14 receivers—Cochlear dedicated receiver—and 9 Phonak Roger 17 receivers—AB dedicated receiver) and 20 Phonak Roger Inspiro transmitters.Employing both the AAA and the Schafer et al protocols, electroacoustic measurements were conducted with the Audioscan Verifit in a clinical setting on 71 CI sound processors and Phonak Roger DM systems to determine transparency and verify FM advantage, comparing speech inputs (65 dB SPL) in an effort to achieve equal outputs. If transparency was not achieved at Phonak’s recommended default receiver gain, adjustments were made to the receiver gain. The integrity of the signal was monitored with the appropriate manufacturer’s monitor earphones.Using the AAA hearing aid protocol, 50 of the 71 CI sound processors achieved transparency, and 59 of the 71 CI sound processors achieved transparency when using the proposed protocol at Phonak’s recommended default receiver gain. After the receiver gain was adjusted, 3 of 21 CI sound processors still did not meet transparency using the AAA protocol, and 2 of 12 CI sound processors still did not meet transparency using the Schafer et al proposed protocol.Both protocols were shown to be effective in taking reliable electroacoustic measurements and demonstrate transparency. Both protocols are felt to be clinically feasible and to address the needs of populations that are unable to reliably report regarding the integrity of their personal DM systems.

A Proposed Electroacoustic Test Protocol for Personal FM Receivers Coupled to Cochlear Implant Sound Processors

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 941-954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Schafer ◽  
Elizabeth Musgrave ◽  
Sadaf Momin ◽  
Carl Sandrock ◽  
Denise Romine
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Behavioral Testing ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Specialized Equipment ◽  
Acoustic Output ◽  
Speech Recognition In Noise ◽  
Sound Processor

Background: Current fitting guidelines from the American Academy of Audiology (Academy) support the use of objective electroacoustic measures and behavioral testing when fitting frequency modulation (FM) systems to hearing aids. However, only behavioral testing is recommended when fitting FM systems to individuals with cochlear implants (CIs) because a protocol for conducting electroacoustic measures has yet to be developed for this population. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose and examine the validity of a newly developed, objective, electroacoustic test protocol for fitting electrically and electromagnetically coupled FM systems to CI sound processors. Research Design: Electroacoustic measures were conducted and replicated in the laboratory with three contemporary CI sound processors and several FM system combinations. A repeated measures design was used with four participants to examine the validity of the proposed electroacoustic test protocol. Study Sample: Three contemporary CI sound processors were tested electroacoustically in the laboratory while coupled to combinations of five FM receivers and four FM transmitters. Two adolescents using Cochlear Nucleus 5 sound processors and two adult participants using MED-EL OPUS 2 sound processors completed behavioral and subjective measures. Data Collection and Analysis: Using current hearing aid practice guidelines from the Academy, electroacoustic measurements were conducted in the laboratory with the CIs and FM systems to determine transparency, where equivalent inputs to the CI and FM microphones result in equivalent outputs. Using a hearing aid analyzer, acoustic output from the CI sound processor was measured via monitor earphones and specialized equipment from CI manufacturers with 65 dB SPL speech inputs (1) to the sound processor and (2) to the FM transmitter microphones. The FM gain or volume was adjusted to attempt to achieve transparency for outputs from the two input devices. The four participants completed some or all of the following measures: speech recognition in noise without and with two FM systems in a classroom, loudness ratings without and with two FM systems measures in a quiet condition in a classroom, and questionnaires. Results: Transparency was achieved for most CI and FM combinations, but most systems required adjustments to FM gain or volume relative to the manufacturer default setting. Despite adjustments to the systems, transparency was not attainable for some FM receiver and transmitter combinations. Behavioral testing in four participants provided preliminary support to the proposed electroacoustic test protocol. Conclusions: Valid and reliable electroacoustic test measures may be feasible with CIs coupled to FM systems with specialized equipment from the CI manufacturer. Advances in equipment available for electroacoustic testing with these devices as well as additional research will lend further support to this objective approach to fitting FM systems to CIs.

Cochlear Implants in Alström Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (8) ◽  
pp. 833-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Gheller ◽  
Samanta Gallo ◽  
Patrizia Trevisi ◽  
Ezio Caserta ◽  
Francesca Dassie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Absolute Contraindication ◽  
Present Case Report ◽  
Alström Syndrome ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Excellent Functional Outcome ◽  
Alstrom Syndrome

Objectives: Too little is known about hearing loss rehabilitation in patients with Alström syndrome (AS). Benefits of hearing aids (HA) have not been fully documented and only one case treated with a Cochlear Implant (CI) has been described in the proceedings of a conference. Furthermore, comorbidities and risk of complications following surgical intervention may contraindicate Cochlear Implant procedures in these patients. The present case report concerns the first AS patient with CI in the literature. Methods: After reporting a concise description of the audiological profile of patients with AS described in the literature, the case of a 22-year-old woman with genetically confirmed Alström syndrome who underwent a sequential bilateral CI (Bi-CI) rehabilitation is reported. Audiological results before and after cochlear implantation are described. Results: The patient showed an excellent functional outcome with CIs, which enabled her to achieve communicative, social and academic results comparable with her peers, and no complications occurred. Conclusions: AS is not necessarily an absolute contraindication to CI. For many AS patients, a good cognitive function and adequate life expectancy represent a clear indication to prompt and adequate hearing rehabilitation with CIs. The description of this type of clinical cases could in the future also generate indications for a tailored audiological treatment of patients with very specific needs, such as patients with Alström Syndrome.

Pediatric Cochlear Implant Mapping Via Telepractice

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (18) ◽  
pp. 12-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Hughes ◽  
Jenny L. Goehring ◽  
Margaret K. Miller ◽  
Sara N. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Behavioral Testing ◽  
Testing Methods ◽  
Speech Processor ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Behavioral Methods

Several studies have empirically examined the feasibility and outcomes of remote programming for adults with cochlear implants. Results indicate that equivalent programming levels can be obtained in both the remote and in-person conditions, suggesting that distance technology is a viable alternative to traditional in-person programming methods. Young children, however, require different audiological testing methods to obtain the behavioral responses necessary for speech-processor programming. No studies have empirically evaluated the use of remote programming with the behavioral methods specific to testing young children. Further, young children present additional challenges to behavioral testing (e.g., ability to condition or cooperate) that can lead to the need for additional visits beyond those required for regular programming. This paper describes the potential benefits of remote programming over those achieved for adults, and describes the study design and preliminary results from our current study aimed at validating the use of remote processor programming for young children with cochlear implants (CIs).

ATTENTUATION OF THE OUTPUT SIGNAL BY PROTECTIVE AND FIXING TOOLS FOR HEARING AIDS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Akustika ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 163-167
Author(s):  
Sergei Levin ◽  
Gaziz Tufatulin ◽  
Inna Koroleva ◽  
Viktoriia Vasilyeva ◽  
Elena Levina
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Input Signal ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Acoustic Measurements ◽  
Signal Attenuation ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Significant Attenuation ◽  
Speech Spectrum ◽  
Sound Processor

The aim was to study amount of attenuation of input signal at the hearing aid (HA) or cochlear implant sound processor (SP) microphone by different protective tools or clothes. Materials and methods. The acoustic measurements were conducted in the soundproof cabin using artificial head with HA/SP and different protective tools, which can influence on microphone function. Probe microphone was integrated in the microphone input of SP and connected with HA verification system. Results. The biggest amount of signal attenuation was observed using water-resistant cases for SP. Changes affect the speech spectrum, therefore using such protective tools can lead to decrease of speech intelligibility. Maximum attenuation was 9.36±0.33 dB at 4000 Hz. Non-hermetic membrane protective cases gave maximum attenuation 7.67±0.18 dB (5000 Hz). Clothes which cover head lead to significant change of signal at microphone up to 9.24±0.16 dB mostly at high-frequencies, which less influences on speech intelligibility. The results confirm that clothes and protective tools for HA of SP show significant attenuation of sounds.

scholarly journals Current and Planned Cochlear Implant Research at New York University Laboratory for Translational Auditory Research

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (06) ◽  
pp. 422-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario A. Svirsky ◽  
Matthew B. Fitzgerald ◽  
Arlene Neuman ◽  
Elad Sagi ◽  
Chin-Tuan Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
New York University ◽  
School Of Medicine ◽  
Basic Studies ◽  
University Laboratory ◽  
Auditory Research

The Laboratory of Translational Auditory Research (LTAR/NYUSM) is part of the Department of Otolaryngology at the New York University School of Medicine and has close ties to the New York University Cochlear Implant Center. LTAR investigators have expertise in multiple related disciplines including speech and hearing science, audiology, engineering, and physiology. The lines of research in the laboratory deal mostly with speech perception by hearing impaired listeners, and particularly those who use cochlear implants (CIs) or hearing aids (HAs). Although the laboratory’s research interests are diverse, there are common threads that permeate and tie all of its work. In particular, a strong interest in translational research underlies even the most basic studies carried out in the laboratory. Another important element is the development of engineering and computational tools, which range from mathematical models of speech perception to software and hardware that bypass clinical speech processors and stimulate cochlear implants directly, to novel ways of analyzing clinical outcomes data. If the appropriate tool to conduct an important experiment does not exist, we may work to develop it, either in house or in collaboration with academic or industrial partners. Another notable characteristic of the laboratory is its interdisciplinary nature where, for example, an audiologist and an engineer might work closely to develop an approach that would not have been feasible if each had worked singly on the project. Similarly, investigators with expertise in hearing aids and cochlear implants might join forces to study how human listeners integrate information provided by a CI and a HA. The following pages provide a flavor of the diversity and the commonalities of our research interests.

Examining the Relationship Between Speech Recognition and a Spectral–Temporal Test With a Mixed Group of Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 1073-1080
Author(s):  
Justin M. Aronoff ◽  
Leah Duitsman ◽  
Deanna K. Matusik ◽  
Senad Hussain ◽  
Elise Lippmann
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Mixed Group ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Hearing Devices ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Audiology clinics have a need for a nonlinguistic test for assessing speech scores for patients using hearing aids or cochlear implants. One such test, the Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test Lite for computeRless Measurement (SLRM), has been developed for use in clinics, but it, as well as the related Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test, has primarily been assessed with cochlear implant users. The main goal of this study was to examine the relationship between SLRM and the Arizona Biomedical Institute Sentence Test (AzBio) for a mixed group of hearing aid and cochlear implant users. Method Adult hearing aid users and cochlear implant users were tested with SLRM, AzBio in quiet, and AzBio in multitalker babble with a +8 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results SLRM scores correlated with both AzBio recognition scores in quiet and in noise. Conclusions The results indicated that there is a significant relationship between SLRM and AzBio scores when testing a mixed group of cochlear implant and hearing aid users. This suggests that SLRM may be a useful nonlinguistic test for use with individuals with a variety of hearing devices.

scholarly journals Comparison of Relative Loudness Judgment in Children using Listening Devices with Typically Developing Children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubha Tak ◽  
Asha Yathiraj
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Standard Group ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Typically Developing Children ◽  
Loudness Judgment

Abstract Introduction Loudness perception is considered important for the perception of emotions, relative distance and stress patterns. However, certain digital hearing devices worn by those with hearing impairment may affect their loudness perception. This could happen in devices that have compression circuits to make loud sounds soft and soft sounds loud. These devices could hamper children from gaining knowledge about loudness of acoustical signals. Objective To compare relative loudness judgment of children using listening devices with age-matched typically developing children. Methods The relative loudness judgment of sounds created by day-to-day objects were evaluated on 60 children (20 normal-hearing, 20 hearing aid users, & 20 cochlear implant users), utilizing a standard group comparison design. Using a two-alternate forced-choice technique, the children were required to select picturized sound sources that were louder. Results The majority of the participants obtained good scores and poorer scores were mainly obtained by children using cochlear implants. The cochlear implant users obtained significantly lower scores than the normal-hearing participants. However, the scores were not significantly different between the normal-hearing children and the hearing aid users as well as between the two groups with hearing impairment. Conclusion Thus, despite loudness being altered by listening devices, children using non-linear hearing aids or cochlear implants are able to develop relative loudness judgment for acoustic stimuli. However, loudness growth for electrical stimuli needs to be studied.

Comparing Speech Perception of Children With Cochlear Implants or Hearing Aids

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa S. Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Current Device ◽  
Device Technology

Cochlear implant (CI) candidacy guidelines continue to evolve as a result of advances in both cochlear implant and hearing aid technology. Empirical studies comparing the speech perception abilities of children using cochlear implants or hearing aids will be reviewed in the context of current device technology and CI candidacy evaluations.

Phonological Awareness in Deaf Children Who Use Cochlear Implants

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1511-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah James ◽  
Kaukab Rajput ◽  
Tracey Brown ◽  
Tony Sirimanna ◽  
Julie Brinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Phoneme Awareness ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Short Term

A short-term longitudinal study was conducted to investigate possible benefits of cochlear implant (CI) use on the development of phonological awareness in deaf children. Nineteen CI users were tested on 2 occasions. Two groups of deaf children using hearing aids were tested once: 11 profoundly deaf and 10 severely deaf children. A battery of tests was designed to investigate syllable, rhyme, and phoneme awareness. Syllable awareness in the CI users was equivalent to that of the severely deaf group, and rhyme and phoneme awareness was similar to that of the profoundly deaf children using hearing aids. CI use affords some benefit to the development of phonological awareness. The results from this study indicate that this enhancement is first observable at the syllable level.

Cochlear Implants in Children, Adolescents, and Prelinguistically Deafened Adults

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam W. Dawson ◽  
Peter J. Blamey ◽  
Louise C. Rowland ◽  
Shani J. Dettman ◽  
Graeme M. Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Closed Set ◽  
Open Set ◽  
Profound Deafness ◽  
Monosyllabic Words ◽  
Open Set Recognition ◽  
The University

A group of 10 children, adolescents, and prelinguistically deafened adults were implanted with the 22-electrode cochlear implant (Cochlear Pty Ltd) at the University of Melbourne Cochlear Implant Clinic and have used the prosthesis for periods from 12 to 65 months. Postoperative performance on the majority of closed-set speech perception tests was significantly greater than chance, and significantly better than preoperative performance for all of the patients. Five of the children have achieved substantial scores on open-set speech tests using hearing without lipreading. Phoneme scores in monosyllabic words ranged from 30% to 72%; word scores in sentences ranged from 26% to 74%. Four of these 5 children were implanted during preadolescence (aged 5:5 to 10:2 years) and the fifth, who had a progressive loss, was implanted during adolescence (aged 14:8 years). The duration of profound deafness before implantation varied from 2 to 8 years. Improvements were also noted over postoperative data collection times for the younger children. The remaining 5 patients who did not demonstrate open-set recognition were implanted after a longer duration of profound deafness (aged 13:11 to 20:1 years). The results are discussed with reference to variables that may affect implant performance, such as age at onset of loss, duration of profound loss, age at implantation, and duration of implantation. They are compared with results for similar groups of children using hearing aids and cochlear implants.

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