Article
Speech discrimination with different pre-processing algorithms by using the Roving Level Test
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Published: | July 6, 2010 |
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Introduction: Speech perception especially in a roving level environment is challenging especially for Cochlear-Implant (CI) users. Therefore different pre-processing algorithms are available from CochlearTM to support difficult environment and further improve speech performance with CI in difficult listening situations. A combination of ADRO+ASC was used to compare speech performance with CochlearTM Nucleus ® FreedomTM sound processor without pre-processing.
Method: The Roving Level Test was conducted under sound field conditions at 65 dB SPL with a roving level condition of ±15 dB. Each trial contains 30 sentences. Each sentence contains a different presentation level and a different SNR in order to measure the Speech Reception Threshold (SRT). Each test condition will be repeated.
Results: Fourteen patients were measured. The average SRT without pre-processing in this extremely difficult environment was 5.2 dB and with pre-processing (ASC+ADRO) 3.8 dB. After cleaning the data to remove floor- and ceiling effects, pre-processing with ASC+ADRO (2.4 dB) provided significantly (p= 0.003) better speech performance under roving level conditions than without pre-processing (4.7 dB).
Conclusion: Speech performance under roving level conditions with pre-processing (ASC+ADRO) will be improved significantly by 2.3 dB. Pre-Processing algorithms are used to support speech performance in difficult environments. Dependent on the environment different pro-processing combinations, called SmartSound2, are available.
Even the roving level test is an artificial lab test, Cochlear’sTM SmartSound2 option did provide significant improvement in under this test conditions.