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Dambon J, Munder P, Mewes A, Böhnke B, Beyer A, Kolonko J, Brademann G, Hey M. Optimizing the efficiency of ECAP measurements due to interpolation. Acta Otolaryngol 2023; 143:971-978. [PMID: 38189322 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2023.2298467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thresholds of electrically evoked compound action potentials (TECAP) may serve as starting points for electrophysiologically based fitting of cochlear implants. Absent TECAP data at single electrodes reduces the number of data points available for fitting and can be substituted by interpolation of measured data points. AIM To compare complete TECAP profiles with interpolated TECAP profiles of 5/22 (∼22.7%) and 11/22 (50%) electrode contacts. MATERIAL AND METHODS Single-centre, retrospective, observational study of data from 624 ears implanted with a Slim Modiolar (CI ×32) or Contour Advance (CI ×12, CI24RE(CA)) electrode array (Cochlear Ltd). The deviation of the complete measured TECAP profile from the same profile with missing and therefore interpolated TECAP values was quantified. RESULTS Interpolated TECAP profiles significantly differ from complete measured profiles especially at the basal and apical electrodes. Reference data for Slim Modiolar and Contour Advance electrodes mean profiles are provided. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Reducing the number of measured TECAP electrodes has to be weighted against losses in the TECAP accuracy of interpolated values. A clinically acceptable compromise may be a reduction from 22 to 11 even non-equidistant data points. While reducing ECAP measurement time, it is accompanied by a minimal loss of accuracy of the TECAP threshold profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dambon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Patrick Munder
- itap - Institut für technische und angewandte Physik GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Mewes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Britta Böhnke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Annika Beyer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Johannes Kolonko
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Goetz Brademann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Hey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
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Dambon J, Mewes A, Beyer A, Dambon J, Ambrosch P, Hey M. Facilitation properties in electrically evoked compound action potentials depending on spatial location and on threshold. Hear Res 2023; 438:108858. [PMID: 37556897 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) facilitation properties can be recorded utilizing electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP). While intracochlear variation of the ECAP threshold in relation to its electrode channel is reported, no study investigated its impact on facilitation. In this study, we quantified intracochlear variation of the facilitation properties in cochlear implants (CI) using ECAPs. We hypothesized that the facilitation effect is dependent on the electrode channel and its ECAP threshold. Therefore, ECAPs were recorded in 23 CI subjects. For each subject, five default (channel-derived) and up to two additional (threshold-derived) stimulation sites were defined. Facilitation was quantified by the paradigm introduced by (Hey et al., 2017) with optimized parameter settings. For each channel the maximum facilitated amplitude was determined by a series of ECAP measurements. A linear mixed-effects model was used to investigate the impact of the electrode channel and ECAP threshold on the maximum facilitated amplitude. The maximum facilitated amplitude was found to be dependent on the ECAP threshold and independent on the electrode channel. We conclude that the facilitation paradigm is a useful and feasible tool to gain local information on the SGNs temporal processing patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dambon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany.
| | - Alexander Mewes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany
| | - Annika Beyer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany
| | - Jakob Dambon
- Swiss Re, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Mathematics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland; School of Business, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Ambrosch
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Hey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany
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Kurz A, Rak K, Hagen R. Improved performance with automatic sound management 3 in the MED-EL SONNET 2 cochlear implant audio processor. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274446. [PMID: 36108069 PMCID: PMC9477286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The SONNET 2 audio processor features ambient noise reduction (ANR), transient-noise reduction (TNR), and adaptive intelligence (AI). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate if using these features improves speech perception in noise, subjective listening effort, and sound quality. Design In this prospective longitudinal study, twenty adult SONNET users were fitted with the SONNET 2 audio processor, configured either as a default SONNET (no ANR/TNR/AI), with mild ANR/TNR, with strong ANR/TNR, with mild AI, and with strong AI. Speech perception in noise was assessed in speech and stationary noise from the front (S0N0); speech, stationary noise, and transient noise from the front (S0N0T0); and speech from the front in spatially-distributed stationary noise (S0N±45N±135). Listening effort, subjective sound quality, and device/setup preference were assessed. Results In the S0N0 setup, speech perception in noise was significantly better with the SONNET 2 when using ANR/TNR in the mild setup than with the SONNET or the SONNET 2 in the default SONNET configuration. In the S0N±45N±135 setup, speech understanding was significantly better in all four SONNET 2 configurations than with the SONNET or the SONNET 2 in the default SONNET configuration (a 1.26–2.55 dB SRT80 benefit). Subjects tolerated consistently lower signal-to-noise values with the SONNET 2 configurations using ANR/TNR than with the default SONNET configuration in all listening effort categories. All SONNET 2 configurations using ANR/TNR were preferred and better rated in speech in stationary and/or transient noise compared to the default SONNET configuration. Sound quality and pleasantness were better in those SONNET 2 configurations. Subjects strongly preferred the SONNET 2 configurations over the SONNET configuration. Conclusions The new front-end features implemented in the SONNET 2 audio processor objectively improve speech perception in noise. Subjects preferred the SONNET 2, over the SONNET, in the presence of stationary and transient noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kurz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, Comprehensive Hearing Center, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Kristen Rak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, Comprehensive Hearing Center, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Hagen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, Comprehensive Hearing Center, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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4
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Michels A, Oukheira Y, Brendel M, Aschendorff A, Arndt S, Wesarg T. Effect of adaptive beamforming and noise reduction algorithms on speech intelligibility and noise tolerance in bimodal cochlear implant users. Cochlear Implants Int 2022; 23:148-157. [PMID: 35193474 DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2022.2035041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a directional microphone (beamformer) and continuous noise reduction algorithms (CNRs) in bimodally aided cochlear implant (CI) users and to find the optimum hearing aid (HA) and CI settings of the beamformer and CNRs. METHODS Speech reception threshold (SRT) and acceptable noise level (ANL) were assessed in twelve adult CI users for unilateral CI, unilateral HA and bimodal listening. To assess the effect of the UltraZoom beamformer and the ClearVoice™ and NoiseBlock CNRs on SRT and ANL, speech was presented from the front in multi-source speech-shaped noise. RESULTS With unilateral CI, application of UltraZoom resulted in a significant improvement of the median SRT and ANL by 3.8 and 4.3 dB, respectively. For bimodal listening with UltraZoom, a significant improvement of 3.5 dB in median SRT was found. There was no significant effect of using the CNRs on speech intelligibility in noise or noise tolerance in either listening condition. CONCLUSION UltraZoom should be applied on the CI to improve speech intelligibility in face to face conversations with multi-source background noise. However, due to the heterogeneous data, no recommendations for the settings of UltraZoom on the HA or of ClearVoice/NoiseBlock on either device can be given. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00010807.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Michels
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yassine Oukheira
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martina Brendel
- Advanced Bionics GmbH, European Research Center, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antje Aschendorff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susan Arndt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wesarg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Stronks HC, Briaire J, Frijns J. Beamforming and Single-Microphone Noise Reduction: Effects on Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Speech Recognition of Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users. Trends Hear 2022; 26:23312165221112762. [PMID: 35862265 PMCID: PMC9310275 DOI: 10.1177/23312165221112762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the effectiveness of three noise-reduction algorithms, namely an adaptive monaural beamformer (MB), a fixed binaural beamformer (BB), and a single-microphone stationary-noise reduction algorithm (SNRA) by assessing the speech reception threshold (SRT) in a group of 15 bimodal cochlear implant users. Speech was presented frontally towards the listener and background noise was established as a homogeneous field of long-term speech-spectrum-shaped (LTSS) noise or 8-talker babble. We pursued four research questions, namely: whether the benefits of beamforming on the SRT differ between LTSS noise and 8-talker babble; whether BB is more effective than MB; whether SNRA improves the SRT in LTSS noise; and whether the SRT benefits of MB and BB are comparable to their improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The results showed that MB and BB significantly improved SRTs by an average of 2.6 dB and 2.9 dB, respectively. These benefits did not statistically differ between noise types or between the two beamformers. By contrast, physical SNR improvements obtained with a manikin revealed substantially greater benefits of BB (6.6 dB) than MB (3.3 dB). SNRA did not significantly affect SRTs per se in omnidirectional microphone settings, nor in combination with MB and BB. We conclude that in the group of bimodal listeners tested, BB had no additional benefits on speech recognition over MB in homogeneous noise, despite the finding that BB had a substantial larger benefit on the SNR than MB. SNRA did not improve speech recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Christiaan Stronks
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 4501Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Briaire
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 4501Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Frijns
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 4501Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Kokkinakis K, Stohl JS. Optimized gain functions in ideal time-frequency masks and their application to dereverberation for cochlear implants. JASA EXPRESS LETTERS 2021; 1:084401. [PMID: 36154250 DOI: 10.1121/10.0005740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated three different reverberation suppression rules based on the parametric ideal ratio mask, which is a generalization of the classical Wiener filter with additional parameters controlling the threshold and slope. Automatic selection of parameter values for the ideal ratio mask was performed using particle swarm optimization. Three different parameter sets were tested using sentences corrupted by reverberation. The results demonstrated that when optimizing parameters based on an objective measure of speech quality rather than intelligibility, cochlear implant users were able to perform at a level equivalent to that attainable with anechoic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Kokkinakis
- North American Research Laboratory, MED-EL Corporation, Durham, North Carolina 27713, USA ,
| | - Joshua S Stohl
- North American Research Laboratory, MED-EL Corporation, Durham, North Carolina 27713, USA ,
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Zhou H, Wang N, Zheng N, Yu G, Meng Q. A New Approach for Noise Suppression in Cochlear Implants: A Single-Channel Noise Reduction Algorithm. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:301. [PMID: 32372902 PMCID: PMC7186595 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cochlea “translates” the in-air vibrational acoustic “language” into the spikes of neural “language” that are then transmitted to the brain for auditory understanding and/or perception. During this intracochlear “translation” process, high resolution in time–frequency–intensity domains guarantees the high quality of the input neural information for the brain, which is vital for our outstanding hearing abilities. However, cochlear implants (CIs) have coarse artificial coding and interfaces, and CI users experience more challenges in common acoustic environments than their normal-hearing (NH) peers. Noise from sound sources that a listener has no interest in may be neglected by NH listeners, but they may distract a CI user. We discuss the CI noise-suppression techniques and introduce noise management for a new implant system. The monaural signal-to-noise ratio estimation-based noise suppression algorithm “eVoice,” which is incorporated in the processors of Nurotron® EnduroTM, was evaluated in two speech perception experiments. The results show that speech intelligibility in stationary speech-shaped noise can be significantly improved with eVoice. Similar results have been observed in other CI devices with single-channel noise reduction techniques. Specifically, the mean speech reception threshold decrease in the present study was 2.2 dB. The Nurotron society already has more than 10,000 users, and eVoice is a start for noise management in the new system. Future steps on non-stationary-noise suppression, spatial-source separation, bilateral hearing, microphone configuration, and environment specification are warranted. The existing evidence, including our research, suggests that noise-suppression techniques should be applied in CI systems. The artificial hearing of CI listeners requires more advanced signal processing techniques to reduce brain effort and increase intelligibility in noisy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Zhou
- Acoustics Lab, School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Nengheng Zheng
- The Guangdong Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangzheng Yu
- Acoustics Lab, School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Meng
- Acoustics Lab, School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES A positive relation between audibility and speech understanding has been established for cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Sound field thresholds of 20 dB HL across the frequency range provide CI users the opportunity to understand soft and very soft speech. However, programming the sound processor to attain good audibility can be time-consuming and difficult for some patients. To address these issues, Advanced Bionics (AB) developed the SoftVoice algorithm designed to remove system noise and thereby improve audibility of soft speech. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SoftVoice in optimizing AB CI recipients' soft-speech perception. DESIGN Two studies were conducted. Study 1 had two phases, 1A and 1B. Sixteen adult, AB CI recipients participated in Study 1A. Acute testing was performed in the unilateral CI condition using a Harmony processor programmed with participants' everyday-use program (Everyday) and that same program but with SoftVoice implemented. Speech recognition measures were administered at several presentation levels in quiet (35 to 60 dB SPL) and in noise (60 dB SPL). In Study 1B, 10 of the participants compared Everyday and SoftVoice at home to obtain feedback regarding the use of SoftVoice in various environments. During Study 2, soft-speech perception was acutely measured with Everyday and SoftVoice for 10 participants using the Naida CI Q70 processor. Results with the Harmony (Study 1A) and Naida processors were compared. Additionally, Study 2 evaluated programming options for setting electrode threshold levels (T-levels or Ts) to improve the usability of SoftVoice in daily life. RESULTS Study 1A showed significantly higher scores with SoftVoice than Everyday at soft presentation levels (35, 40, 45, and 50 dB SPL) and no significant differences between programs at a conversational level (60 dB SPL) in quiet or in noise. After take-home experience with SoftVoice and Everyday (Study 1B), 5 of 10 participants reported preferring SoftVoice over Everyday; however, 6 reported bothersome environmental sound when listening with SoftVoice at home. Results of Study 2 indicated similar soft-speech perception between Harmony and Naida processors. Additionally, implementing SoftVoice with Ts at the manufacturer's default setting of 10% of Ms reduced reports of bothersome environmental sound during take-home experience; however, soft-speech perception was best with SoftVoice when Ts were behaviorally set above 10% of Ms. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that SoftVoice may be a potential tool for optimizing AB users' audibility and, in turn, soft-speech perception. To achieve optimal performance at soft levels and comfortable use in daily environments, setting Ts must be considered with SoftVoice. Future research should examine program parameters that may benefit soft-speech perception when used in combination with SoftVoice (e.g., increased input dynamic range).
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9
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Alnıaçık A, Akdaş F. The effects of adaptive directional microphone on auditory evoked cortical P300 response and speech performance in cochlear implant users. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:861-868. [PMID: 31268365 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2019.1637028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits of an adaptive directional microphone in noise by using auditory P300 and speech recognition scores (SRSs) in cochlear implant subjects.Design: The P300 and speech recognition scores were obtained (a) in quiet with an omnidirectional microphone (Quiet OM), (b) in noise with an omnidirectional microphone (Noise OM) and (c) in noise with an adaptive directional microphone (Noise BEAM) to compare the microphone effects.Study sample: Thirty-five cochlear implant subjects (22.87 ± 1.30 years)Results: The latencies of the P2, N2 and P3 responses as the discrimination potentials were significantly prolonged in the Noise OM condition compared with those obtained in the Quiet OM and Noise BEAM conditions (p < 0.05). The latencies of all responses in the Quiet OM and Noise BEAM conditions were similarly obtained (p > 0.05). SRSs were significantly lower in the Noise OM condition than in the Quiet OM and Noise BEAM condition (p < 0.05).Conclusions: During noise, the adaptive directional microphone system provided a discrimination ability similar to that seen in quiet settings for cochlear implant users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ferda Akdaş
- Department of Audiology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Ernst A, Anton K, Brendel M, Battmer RD. Benefit of directional microphones for unilateral, bilateral and bimodal cochlear implant users. Cochlear Implants Int 2019; 20:147-157. [DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2019.1578911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arneborg Ernst
- BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin gGmbH, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Warener Str. 7, 12683 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristina Anton
- BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin gGmbH, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Warener Str. 7, 12683 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Brendel
- Advanced Bionics GmbH, European Research Center, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 35, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rolf-Dieter Battmer
- BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin gGmbH, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Warener Str. 7, 12683 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Soleymani R, Selesnick IW, Landsberger DM. SEDA: A tunable Q-factor wavelet-based noise reduction algorithm for multi-talker babble. SPEECH COMMUNICATION 2018; 96:102-115. [PMID: 29606781 PMCID: PMC5875444 DOI: 10.1016/j.specom.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a new wavelet-based algorithm to enhance the quality of speech corrupted by multi-talker babble noise. The algorithm comprises three stages: The first stage classifies short frames of the noisy speech as speech-dominated or noise-dominated. We design this classifier specifically for multi-talker babble noise. The second stage performs preliminary de-nosing of noisy speech frames using oversampled wavelet transforms and parallel group thresholding. The final stage performs further denoising by attenuating residual high frequency components in the signal produced by the second stage. A significant improvement in intelligibility and quality was observed in evaluation tests of the algorithm with cochlear implant users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Soleymani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 2 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1 Avenue, STE NBV 5E5, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Ivan W. Selesnick
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 2 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201
| | - David M. Landsberger
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1 Avenue, STE NBV 5E5, New York, NY 10016 USA
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Dingemanse JG, Goedegebure A. Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels. Int J Audiol 2017; 57:230-235. [PMID: 29065731 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1390267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ClearVoice is a single-microphone noise reduction algorithm in Advanced Bionics cochlear implant(CI) systems with the aim to improve performance in background noise. The present study investigated a hypothesised increased effect of ClearVoice if combined with a structural increase of maximum comfort stimulation levels (M-levels) in the CI fitting. DESIGN We tested performance with ClearVoice (Medium) in four conditions, defined by combined settings of ClearVoice off/on and with/without 5% increase of M-levels. The main outcome measures were the Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) and the speech reception threshold in continuous background noise (SRTn). STUDY SAMPLE Participants were 16 experienced cochlear implant recipients with Advanced Bionics implants and a Naida Q70 processor. RESULTS The ANL significantly improved by using either ClearVoice or an increase of M-levels. Combining both settings gave the largest improvement in ANL. For the SRTn, we found a small, but significant interaction between ClearVoice and an increase of M-levels, implying that ClearVoice improved speech understanding slightly, but only if combined with a 5% increase of M-levels. CONCLUSIONS Optimal profit from ClearVoice is obtained if combined with a structural 5% increase of M-levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André Goedegebure
- a Department of ENT , Erasmus Medical Center , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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13
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Marcrum SC, Picou EM, Steffens T. Avoiding disconnection: An evaluation of telephone options for cochlear implant users. Int J Audiol 2016; 56:186-193. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2016.1247502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Marcrum
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany and
| | - Erin M. Picou
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Thomas Steffens
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany and
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14
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Impact of Noise Reduction Algorithm in Cochlear Implant Processing on Music Enjoyment. Otol Neurotol 2016; 37:492-8. [DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000001041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Plasmans A, Rushbrooke E, Moran M, Spence C, Theuwis L, Zarowski A, Offeciers E, Atkinson B, McGovern J, Dornan D, Leigh J, Kaicer A, Hollow R, Martelli L, Looi V, Nel E, Del Dot J, Cowan R, Mauger SJ. A multicentre clinical evaluation of paediatric cochlear implant users upgrading to the Nucleus(®) 6 system. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 83:193-9. [PMID: 26968076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate whether experienced paediatric cochlear implant users could show benefits to speech perception outcomes from the introduction of noise reduction and automated scene classification technologies as implemented in the Nucleus(®) 6 sound processor. Previous research with adult cochlear implant users had shown significant improvements in speech intelligibility for listening in noisy conditions and good user acceptance for upgrading to the Nucleus 6 processor. In adults, these improvements for listening in noise were primarily attributed to the use of a range of new input processing technologies including noise reduction, as well as introduction of automatic scene classification technology. METHODS Experienced paediatric cochlear implant users (n=25) were recruited from four clinics located in three countries. Research participants were evaluated on three occasions, an initial session using their Nucleus 5 sound processor; a second session in which participants used the Nucleus 6 processor programmed with the same technologies as were used in their Nucleus 5 sound processor; and a final session in which participants used the Nucleus 6 processor programmed with the default technologies including automatic scene classification (SCAN) which automatically selects the microphone directionality, noise reduction (SNR-NR), and wind noise reduction (WNR) technologies. Prior to both the second and third evaluations, research participants had approximately two weeks take-home experience with the new system. Speech perception performances on monosyllabic word tests presented in quiet and in noise, and a sentence test presented in noise, were compared across the three processor conditions. Acceptance of the Nucleus 6 default settings was assessed in a final session. RESULTS No group mean difference in performance was found for monosyllabic words in quiet. A significant improvement in speech perception was found for both monosyllabic words and sentences in noise with the default Nucleus 6 program condition as compared with the Nucleus 5 condition. No acceptance issues were noted for any of the children. CONCLUSIONS Experienced paediatric cochlear implant users showed a significant improvement in speech perception in listening in noise when upgraded to the Nucleus 6 sound processor primarily due to the introduction of a noise reduction technology, and all children accepted the default program. These findings suggest that school-aged children may benefit from upgrading to the Nucleus 6 sound processor using the default program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Plasmans
- Cochlear Technology Centre Belgium, Mechelen, Belgium
| | | | - Michelle Moran
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; The HEARing CRC, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Leen Theuwis
- European Institute for ORL-HNS, Sint Augustinus Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrzej Zarowski
- European Institute for ORL-HNS, Sint Augustinus Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erwin Offeciers
- European Institute for ORL-HNS, Sint Augustinus Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Dimity Dornan
- Hear and Say, Brisbane, Australia; The HEARing CRC, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jaime Leigh
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Arielle Kaicer
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rod Hollow
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Valerie Looi
- SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service, Sydney, Australia
| | - Esti Nel
- The HEARing CRC, Melbourne, Australia; Cochlear Limited, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Robert Cowan
- The HEARing CRC, Melbourne, Australia; The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Speech Recognition of Bimodal Cochlear Implant Recipients Using a Wireless Audio Streaming Accessory for the Telephone. Otol Neurotol 2016; 37:e20-5. [DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000000903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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