Converted and Upgraded Maps Programmed in the Newer Speech Processor for the First Generation of Multichannel Cochlear Implant

• Published in: Otology & neurotology Vol. 34; no. 7; pp. 1193 - 1200
• Main Authors: de Matos Magalhães, Ana Tereza, Goffi-Gomez, M. Valéria Schmidt, Hoshino, Ana Cristina, Tsuji, Robinson Koji, Bento, Ricardo Ferreira, Brito, Rubens
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company 01-09-2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Audiometry; Auditory Threshold - physiology; Cluster Analysis; Cochlear Implants; Electrodes; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure; Software; Speech; Speech Discrimination Tests; Speech Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1531-7129; 1537-4505
• DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e31829e1665

OBJECTIVETo identify the technological contributions of the newer version of speech processor to the first generation of multichannel cochlear implant and the satisfaction of users of the new technology. Among the new features available, we focused on the effect of the frequency allocation table, the T-SPL and C-SPL, and the preprocessing gain adjustments (adaptive dynamic range optimization).
STUDY DESIGNProspective exploratory study.
SETTINGCochlear implant center at hospital.
PATIENTSCochlear implant users of the Spectra processor with speech recognition in closed set. Seventeen patients were selected between the ages of 15 and 82 and deployed for more than 8 years.
INTERVENTIONSThe technology update of the speech processor for the Nucleus 22.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESTo determine Freedom’s contribution, thresholds and speech perception tests were performed with the last map used with the Spectra and the maps created for Freedom. To identify the effect of the frequency allocation table, both upgraded and converted maps were programmed. One map was programmed with 25dB T-SPL and 65dB C-SPL and the other map with adaptive dynamic range optimization. To assess satisfaction, SADL and APHAB were used.
RESULTSAll speech perception tests and all sound field thresholds were statistically better with the new speech processor; 64.7% of patients preferred maintaining the same frequency table that was suggested for the older processor. The sound field threshold was statistically significant at 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 Hz with 25dB T-SPL/65dB C-SPL. Regarding patient’s satisfaction, there was a statistically significant improvement, only in the subscale of speech in noise abilities and phone use.
CONCLUSIONThe new technology improved the performance of patients with the first generation of multichannel cochlear implant.