Comparison of different speech coding strategies using a disability-based inventory and speech perception tests in quiet and in noise.
OBJECTIVE
Intraindividual comparison of two cochlear implant speech coding strategies implemented in the Nucleus 24M system (SPEAK versus ACE). Reasons for subjective preference were evaluated using a combination of speech perception scores and a disability-based inventory.


METHODS
Cross-over study with two groups of cochlear implant subjects, assigned to first receive ACE or SPEAK strategy.


METHODS
Cochlear implant program.


METHODS
Twelve postlingually deaf adults using a Nucleus 24M cochlear implant system.


METHODS
Subjects consecutively used the two different speech coding strategies and completed speech perception tests in quiet and in noise and a disability-based inventory (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit).


METHODS
Individual differences between the two different speech coding strategies and the relation with subjective strategy preference.


RESULTS
The ACE strategy produced somewhat better speech recognition scores in quiet and in noise, although the difference in the scores in noise did not reach the 95% level of significance. The first coding strategy chosen did not affect the results or subjective preference. Preference according to the APHAB results were not a priori in conformity with the speech recognition scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Most subjects preferred the ACE strategy. Subjective preference was in agreement with the APHAB results in three subjects, in agreement with speech recognition in two subjects, and in agreement with both in seven subjects. The present results support the use of both speech recognition tests and questionnaires to evaluate different speech coding strategies.
Beynon
Andy J
AJ
Cochlera Implant Center Nijmegen -- St Michielsgestel University Medical Center Nijmegen, Department of Otolaryngology, The Netherlands. a.beynon@kno.umcn.nl
Snik
Ad F M
AF
van den Broek
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000150:complications; D008581:Meningitis / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires