title: A preliminary report of music-based training for adult cochlear implant users: Rationales and development.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper provides a preliminary report of a music-based training program for adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Included in this report are descriptions of the rationale for music-based training, factors influencing program development, and the resulting program components.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prior studies describing experience-based plasticity in response to music training, auditory training for persons with hearing impairment, and music training for CI recipients were reviewed. These sources revealed rationales for using music to enhance speech, factors associated with successful auditory training, relevant aspects of electric hearing and music perception, and extant evidence regarding limitations and advantages associated with parameters for music training with CI users. This informed the development of a computer-based music training program designed specifically for adult CI users.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Principles and parameters for perceptual training of music, such as stimulus choice, rehabilitation approach, and motivational concerns were developed in relation to the unique auditory characteristics of adults with electric hearing. An outline of the resulting program components and the outcome measures for evaluating program effectiveness are presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Music training can enhance the perceptual accuracy of music, but is also hypothesized to enhance several features of speech with similar processing requirements as music (e.g., pitch and timbre). However, additional evaluation of specific training parameters and the impact of music-based training on speech perception of CI users is required.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gfeller
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Guthe
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Driscoll
authors.forename: Carolyn J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D009146:Music / Q000523:psychology*; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Cochlear implants; Experience-based plasticity; Music training