Better speech recognition in noise with the fine structure processing coding strategy.
BACKGROUND
Recently, a new speech coding strategy named 'fine structure processing' (FSP) has been launched.


METHODS
32 subjects, all users of the MED-EL PULSARCI(100) system, have been switched over from a TEMPO+ to an OPUS 2 speech processor. In 22 subjects, the FSP strategy could be implemented (FSP group), in 10 patients not (high-definition continuous interleaved sampling, HDCIS, group). Subjects were tested with the Tempo+ (CIS+) just before switch-over and after 12 months of OPUS 2 (FSP/HDCIS) use. Performance with FSP/HDCIS was tested at switch-over, and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. A sentence-in-noise test and a Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire were assessed at each test interval.


RESULTS
In the FSP group, the speech reception threshold shows a deterioration of 3.3 dB (n.s.) at the acute switch-over interval, but a significant improvement over time (p < 0.001) with a final benefit of 6.5 dB after 12 months of FSP use. A significant improvement over time can also be seen on the spatial subscore of the SSQ questionnaire (p = 0.009). No significant differences could be seen in the HDCIS group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that by enhancing fine structure coding in the lower frequencies, as implemented in the FSP coding strategy, speech perception in noise can be enhanced.
Vermeire
Katrien
K
C. Doppler Laboratory for Active Implantable Systems, Institute of Ion Physics and Applied Physics, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. katrien.vermeire@uibk.ac.at
Punte
Andrea Kleine
AK
Van de Heyning
Paul
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012984:Software; D013067:Speech Perception; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome