Development of speech perception after direct first fitting in adult cochlear implant patients

Introduction:

With the direct fitting of the speech processor about 2 days after the cochlear implantation exists the opportunity to get used to the new hearing and speech perception until the patients undergo their regular rehabilitation after 5 weeks at the hospital. Therefore, we have examined how the habituation related to technology handling and speech perception as well as speech understanding has developed in these patients.

Methods:

Based on a questionnaire n = 53 patients were interviewed about their direct postoperative fitting. Speech test results (Freiburger numbers and monosyllabic words, HSM-sentences test in quiet and in noise 10dB SNR) were obtained on day 1 before and on day 5 after the regular fitting. The results are set in relation to the case history data, daily cochlear implant use and technical adjustment data.

Results:

Patients get along well with the handling of the technique after direct fitting. Speech perception is subjectively assessed as sufficient. The comparison of average speech understanding from day 1 before and day 5 after the rehabilitation shows highly significant improvement among monosyllables from 16% to 35% and among sentence test in noise from 5% to 15%.

Conclusion:

Objectively, many patients have already developed a good speech understanding after first fitting and habituation, but they do not assess this subjectively. An increase in speech understanding is achieved with targeted adjustment, hearing training and counseling. The direct fitting of the cochlear implant supports the habituation, professional postoperative care is still necessary.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)