title: Evaluation of a Transient Noise Reduction Algorithm in Cochlear Implant Users.
abstract: Dealing with environmental noises presents a major issue for cochlear implant (CI) users. Hence, digital noise reduction (DNR) schemes have become important features of CI systems. Many noises like for example clinking glasses or slamming doors, have impulsive onsets and decay quickly. Common DNR algorithms cannot handle this type of noise in an appropriate way. In this study, we investigated the effect of an algorithm specially designed for such noises with 12 CI users (age range: 45 to 75 years). Speech scores in noise and quiet as well as subjective ratings of speech clarity, comfort and overall preference were measured. The main finding was a significant improvement of up to 1.7 dB of the speech reception threshold in noise as well as increased speech clarity. Speech in quiet was not negatively affected by the algorithm. The study revealed that the tested algorithm has the potential to improve CI listening. However, further research is needed regarding the effectiveness and suitability of the algorithm in daily use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all , Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Karl-Heinz
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Dyballa
authors.affiliation: European Research Center Advanced Bionics , Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Phillipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hehrmann
authors.affiliation: European Research Center Advanced Bionics , Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Volkmar
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hamacher
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all , Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Waldo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all , Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lenarz
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all , Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Büchner
keywords: cochlear implant; impulsive noise; noise reduction; speech intelligibility; transient