Intra- and intersubject comparison of cochlear implant systems using the Esprit and the Tempo+ behind-the-ear speech processor.
A patient with bilateral profound deafness was implanted with a Nucleus CI24M cochlear implant (CI) and used an Esprit behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processor. Thirteen months later, the implant had to be removed because of a cholesteatoma. As the same electrode could not be reinserted, a Medel combi40s CI was implanted in the same ear, and the patient used a Tempo+ BTE processor. After 1 year of use of the Combi40s/Tempo+ system, speech recognition was better and was rated better subjectively than with the CI24M/Esprit system. Speech recognition and subjective ratings were also assessed for two matched groups of nine CI users each, using either an Esprit or a Tempo+ processor. On average, speech recognition scores were higher for the group of Tempo+ users, but the difference was not statistically significant. Users of the Esprit processors rated their device higher in terms of cosmetic appearance and comfort of wearing.
Kompis
Martin
M
University Clinic of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Berne, Switzerland. martin.kompis@insel.ch
Jenk
Martin
M
Vischer
Mattheus W
MW
Seifert
Eberhard
E
Häusler
Rudolf
R
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013067:Speech Perception