title: Result on speech perception after conversion from Spectra® to Freedom®.
abstract: New technology in the Freedom® speech processor for cochlear implants was developed to improve how incoming acoustic sound is processed; this applies not only for new users, but also for previous generations of cochlear implants.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify the contribution of this technology-- the Nucleus 22®--on speech perception tests in silence and in noise, and on audiometric thresholds.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional cohort study was undertaken. Seventeen patients were selected. The last map based on the Spectra® was revised and optimized before starting the tests. Troubleshooting was used to identify malfunction. To identify the contribution of the Freedom® technology for the Nucleus22®, auditory thresholds and speech perception tests were performed in free field in sound-proof booths. Recorded monosyllables and sentences in silence and in noise (SNR = 0dB) were presented at 60 dBSPL. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired data was used to compare groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Freedom® applied for the Nucleus22® showed a statistically significant difference in all speech perception tests and audiometric thresholds.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Freedom® technology improved the performance of speech perception and audiometric thresholds of patients with Nucleus 22®.
authors.affiliation: Speech and Hearing Therapist of the Cochlear Implant Team of the University Hospital-Medical School of the University of São Paulo-HC-FMUSP.
authors.forename: Ana Tereza de Matos
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.forename: Maria Valéria Schmidt
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Goffi-Gomez
authors.forename: Ana Cristina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hoshino
authors.forename: Robinson Koji
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.forename: Ricardo Ferreira
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Bento
authors.forename: Rubens
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brito
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult