title: Speech performance and sound localization abilities in Neurelec Digisonic® SP binaural cochlear implant users.
abstract: In this prospective study the outcome of the Digisonic® SP Binaural cochlear implant (CI), a device enabling electric stimulation of both cochleae by a single receiver, was evaluated in 14 postlingually deafened adults after 12 months of use. Speech perception was tested using French disyllabic words in quiet and in speech-shaped noise at +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Horizontal sound localization in quiet was tested using pink noise coming from 5 loudspeakers, from -90 to +90° along the azimuth. Speech scores in quiet were 76% (±19.5 SD) in the bilateral condition, 62% (±24 SD) for the better ear alone and 43.5% (±27 SD) for the poorer ear alone. Speech scores in noise were 60% (±27.5 SD), 46% (±28 SD) and 28% (±25 SD), respectively, in the same conditions. Statistical analysis showed a significant advantage of the bilateral use in quiet and in noise (p < 0.05 compared to the better ear). Significant spatial perception benefits such as summation effect (p < 0.05), head shadow effect (p < 0.0001) and squelch effect (p < 0.0005) were noted. Sound localization accuracy improved significantly when using the device in the bilateral condition with an average root mean square of 35°. Compared with published outcomes of usual bilateral cochlear implantation, this device could be a valuable alternative to two CIs. Prospective controlled trials, comparing the Digisonic SP Binaural CI with a standard bilateral cochlear implantation are mandatory to evaluate their respective advantages and cost-effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Département d'ORL, de Chirurgie Cervico-Maxillo-Faciale, et d'Audiophonologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France. nicolas.verhaert@med.kuleuven.be
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Verhaert
authors.forename: Diane S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Lazard
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gnansia
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bébéar
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Romanet
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Péan
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mollard
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Truy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013017:Sound Localization / Q000502:physiology*; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology*; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome