Speech unterstanding and hearing quality using different CI speech processors

Introduction The speech processors of cochlear implants are continuously evolving. It applies to both the BTE and the single-unit processors. In particular, speech understanding in background noise has been optimized through new technologies to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, among other things.

Methodology In CI patients with a MED-EL implant it was investigated what influence a change on a modern speech processor has. To obtain a more comprehensive picture than with the individual comparison, numerous other aspects were examined. The clinically routine procedure for the speech processor upgrades of MED-EL-CI patients has been adapted and standardized. For example, the Freiburg monosyllabic test was measured unilaterally in the test subjects in quiet and noise, and the OLSA was measured in quiet and noise. Bilaterally best aided, i.e. with the optimal individual care in the everyday life, the Freiburg monosyllabic in noise and the OLSA in noise were measured. The clinical routine configurations were adopted for all measurements.

Results The current generation of speech processors, the SONNET2 and the RONDO3, had a clear advantage over the older models. At the time of the interim evaluation, the unilateral result in the Freiburg monosyllable in quiet and noise as well as in the OLSA in noise improved significantly. There was no significant difference in the OLSA without noise. Bilaterally (best aided) in Freiburg asl, speech understanding also improved significantly in the OLSA in background noise.

Summary Upgrading to a current processor showed a significant speech understanding improvement uni- & bilaterally.

MED-EL

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022