Effect of digital frequency compression (DFC) on speech recognition in candidates for combined electric and acoustic stimulation (EAS).
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of conventional amplification (CA) and digital frequency compression (DFC) amplification on the speech recognition abilities of candidates for a partial-insertion cochlear implant, that is, candidates for combined electric and acoustic stimulation (EAS).


METHODS
The participants were 6 patients whose audiometric thresholds at 500 Hz and below were <or=60 dB HL and whose thresholds at 2000 Hz and above were >or=80 dB HL. Six tests of speech understanding were administered with CA and DFC. The Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) was also administered following use of CA and DFC.


RESULTS
Group mean scores were not statistically different in the CA and DFC conditions. However, 2 patients received substantial benefit in DFC conditions. APHAB scores suggested increased ease of communication, but also increased aversive sound quality.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that a relatively small proportion of individuals who meet EAS candidacy will receive substantial benefit from a DFC hearing aid and that a larger proportion will receive at least a small benefit when speech is presented against a background of noise. This benefit, however, comes at a cost-aversive sound quality.
Gifford
René H
RH
Arizona State University, Tempe, USA. gifford.rene@mayo.edu
Dorman
Michael F
MF
Spahr
Anthony J
AJ
McKarns
Sharon A
SA
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D013067:Speech Perception; D013997:Time Factors