Improving speech perception outcomes in deaf adults and children using cochlear implants [ 2001 - 2002 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Peter Busby (Principal investigator) ,  E/Pr Graeme Clark

Brief description This project aims to further improve on speech understanding by deaf adults and children using the cochlear implant. In particular, we aim to individually modify the speech coding scheme on the basis of the basic hearing skills of the subject. In this manner, more speech information should be available and the users will likely gain more benefit from their cochlear implants. The speech processing strategy of the multiple-electrode cochlear implant, manufactured by the Australian biomedical company Cochlear Limited, codes acoustic frequency information on electrodes which are located in the cochlea. The assignment of frequencies to electrodes is consistent with the ordering of pitch in the cochlea. For optimum performance, all electrodes would need to be perceptually distinct from each other. Recent research with adults and children has shown that this is not the case for a number of subjects as adjacent electrodes sound the same. Thus important speech information may not be heard by these subjects. In this project, we will determine how well adults and children are able to hear differences between the electrodes, and then provide speech processing schemes which exclude those electrodes which sound the same as others in close proximity. The project will compare these modified strategies with the standard strategy currently used by the subjects over time, so that any differences in the way adults and children are able to improve on speech understanding will be determined. As far as can be determined, this project will be the first investigation to improve on speech understanding in children using the cochlear implant.

Funding Amount $AUD 160,604.18

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant