The Voice Track multiband single-channel modified Wiener-filter noise reduction system for cochlear implants: patients' outcomes and subjective appraisal.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential improvements of speech perception and sound quality provided by a multiband single channel noise-reduction algorithm based on the modified Wiener-filter adapted to cochlear implant sound processing.



This study was a longitudinal trial with a repeated-measures design. Outcome measures were performed on the first day when the noise reduction feature was provided and after a one month habituation period. Objective measures included pure-tone thresholds and vocal audiometry assessments. Speech perception was measured in quiet and in the presence of two types of noise: a stationary speech shaped noise and a two-talker cocktail noise. Subjective sound quality was assessed using a ten item questionnaire.



Thirteen post-lingual deaf adults, experienced users of a cochlear implant system, took part in this study.



The noise-reduction algorithm provided a benefit for the perception of speech presented in a stationary speech shaped noise and an overall improvement in subjective sound quality ratings.



It was shown that a single channel noise reduction system based on a modified Wiener-filter approach can improve speech in noise perception performance and subjective sound quality in cochlear implant patients.
a CHU de Nice , University Head and Neck Institute , Nice , France .
Nicolas
N
Guevara
b Department of Head and Neck Surgery , CHU - University Hospital of Dijon , Dijon , France .
Alexis
A
Bozorg-Grayeli
c ENT Department , Pellegrin Hospital, University of Bordeaux , Bordeaux , France .
Jean-Pierre
JP
Bebear
d Clinical and Scientific Research Department , Oticon Medical - Neurelec , Vallauris , France , and.
Marine
M
Ardoint
d Clinical and Scientific Research Department , Oticon Medical - Neurelec , Vallauris , France , and.
Sonia
S
Saaï
d Clinical and Scientific Research Department , Oticon Medical - Neurelec , Vallauris , France , and.
Dan
D
Gnansia
d Clinical and Scientific Research Department , Oticon Medical - Neurelec , Vallauris , France , and.
Michel
M
Hoen
b Department of Head and Neck Surgery , CHU - University Hospital of Dijon , Dijon , France .
Philippe
P
Romanet
e ENT Department , North Hospital , Marseille , France.
Jean-Pierre
JP
Lavieille
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D013067:Speech Perception; D014831:Voice; D055815:Young Adult
Cochlear implants; Oticon Medical; noise reduction; speech perception; speech-in-noise; voice track