The perception of the stereo effect in bilateral and bimodal cochlear implant users and its contribution to music enjoyment.

OBJECTIVES: In this clinical study, stereo perception of music samples and its contribution to music enjoyment in CI users is investigated. It is studied in free field as well as direct audio presentation. METHODS: 20 bilateral and 9 bimodal CI users performed stereo detection tests and music enjoyment ratings. Music was presented either in mono or in stereo in free field or with direct audio presentation. Stereo detection was assessed with a 3-AFC paradigm. Music enjoyment was studied with scale ratings. RESULTS: For bilateral CI users, stereo detection increased from 52% correct in free field to 86% with direct audio presentation. Increased music enjoyment with improved stereo detection was obtained. Bimodal CI users could not identify stereo sounds. Music enjoyment did not increase for stereo presentations in bimodal subjects. DISCUSSION: For bilateral CI users, improved stereo detection might increase music enjoyment with direct audio presentation, which is likely due to bypassing the room acoustics. In bimodal CI users, no clear improvement was found, which is likely attributed due to the different hearing losses and therefore individually different interaural frequency overlaps between the hearing aid and the cochlear implant. CONCLUSION: Direct audio presentation is an efficient method to improve music enjoyment in bilateral CI users.

Audiological Results with the SAMBA Audio Processor in Comparison to the Amadé for the Vibrant Soundbridge.

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction in 1996, the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) has been upgraded with several improved generations of processors. As all systems are compatible, implanted patients can benefit from new technologies by upgrading to the newest processor type available. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the new (current) SAMBA processor with the previous Amadé processor. METHODS: Twenty subjects monaurally implanted with a VSB and the Amadé processor tested the new SAMBA processor for a trial period of 4 weeks. We measured air conduction and bone conduction thresholds, unaided thresholds, and aided free field thresholds with both devices. Speech performance in quiet using the Freiburg monosyllabic test at 65 dB SPL (S0) was compared. The speech intelligibility in noise was determined using the Oldenburg sentence test measured in different listening conditions (S0NVSB/S0Ncontra) and microphone settings (omni/directional vs. adaptive directivity). RESULTS: Word recognition scores in quiet with the SAMBA were still significantly lower than with the Amadé after the 4 weeks trial period but improved over the following year. Speech intelligibility with the SAMBA was significantly better than with the Amadé in omnidirectional mode and comparable with the Amadé in directional mode. Hence, the adaptive directionality provides an advantage in difficult hearing situations such as noisy environments. The subjective benefit was evaluated using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities-C questionnaire. Results of the questionnaires demonstrate an overall higher level of satisfaction with the new SAMBA speech processor than with the older processor. CONCLUSION: The SAMBA enables similar speech perception in quiet but more flexible adaptation in acoustically challenging environments compared to the previous Amadé processor.

Case Report of a New Coupler for Round Window Application of an Active Middle Ear Implant.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate feasibility, surgical handling, audiological outcome, and coupling efficiency of a new coupler (custom-made device) for an active middle ear implant. PATIENT: Revision surgery after implantation of an active middle ear implant in a 66-year-old male patient with mixed hearing loss. INTERVENTION: Prosthetic hearing rehabilitation with a new coupler for round window application. MAIN OUTCOME AND RESULTS: The patient obtained good speech perception in quiet (word recognition scores 80%; Freiburg monosyllables) and noise (-3.3 dB SNR; Oldenburg Sentence Test). The effective gain with the Hannover coupler improved at frequencies > 0.5 kHz compared with the values reported for other round window (RW)-coupling modalities. CONCLUSION: The coupler provides a feasible option for the RW application of the middle ear implant actuator. The spring concept of the coupler needs to be improved to further standardize RW-coupling and improve coupling efficiency at low frequencies (0.5 kHz).

Audiological Results in SSD With an Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant at a Retrosigmoidal Position.

OBJECTIVE: One option for patients with single sided deafness (SSD) who experience problems with insufficient hearing in different surroundings is the treatment with percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids. Common medical problems associated to a skin penetrating abutment can be avoided by active transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the benefit of an active transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant in patients with SSD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients suffering from SSD who are implanted with an active transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant in retrosigmoidal position were audiologically analyzed. The audiological test battery included air and bone conduction thresholds, word recognition score (WRS) in quiet and speech intelligibility (Oldenburg Sentence Test [OLSA]) in noise. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Bern-Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness (BBSS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The monosyllable WRS and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) assessed by the OLSA was significantly better in all aided conditions. Also, the APHAB categories ease of communication and reverberation and the average benefit in the BBSS improved significantly if using the device. CONCLUSION: The Bonebridge is a transcutaneous alternative to the well-established percutaneous bone conducting devices in patients with single sided deafness. An improvement in hearing in noise and quiet as well as a decrease of the head shadow effect can be expected.