Search

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionTo investigate the effects of automatic scene classification (SCAN) on speech perception in noise and real-world functional performance in children using cochlear implants (CIs).We used a within-subjects repeated measures design in two studies. The first study assessed speech perception in noise with or without SCAN enabled in 25 school-aged children. The second study evaluated functional auditory performance in real life. Parents of 18 children provided ratings using the Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/oral Performance of Children (PEACH) questionnaire; and children provided ratings using the Self Evaluation of Listening Function (SELF) questionnaire. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to examine the effect of SCAN.On average, speech perception in noise was significantly better with SCAN enabled (mean SRT: −4.1 dB; SD: 4.0), compared to SCAN disabled (mean SRT: 0.5 dB; SD: 3.5). Children’s functional performance in real life was similar between the two device settings.Automatic auditory scene classification provides significant benefits for speech perception in noise (4.6 dB improvement). On average, there were no perceived detrimental or beneficial effects in real life. These findings support the use of SCAN in CIs for young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This paper compares language development and speech perception of children with bimodal fitting (a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the opposite ear) or bilateral cochlear implantation. Methods Participants were children enrolled in the Longitudinal Outcomes of Children with Hearing Impairment study. Language development was assessed at 3 years of age using standardized tests. Speech perception was evaluated at 5 years of age. Speech was presented from a frontal loudspeaker, and babble noise was presented either from the front or from both sides. Results On average, there was no significant difference in language outcomes between 44 children with bimodal fitting and 49 children with bilateral cochlear implants; after controlling for a range of demographic variables. Earlier age at cochlear implant activation was associated with better outcomes. Speech perception in noise was not significantly different between children with bimodal fitting and those with bilateral cochlear implants. Compared to normal-hearing children, children with cochlear implants required a better signal-to-noise ratio to perform at the same level, but demonstrated spatial release from masking of a similar magnitude. Conclusions This population-based study found that language scores for children with bilateral implants were higher than those with bimodal fitting or those with unilateral implants, but neither reached significance level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports findings from a study that was aimed at investigating how best to prescribe devices that provide electric-acoustic stimulation. The localization and speech perception of adults who use electric-acoustic stimulation in one ear and acoustic amplification in the opposite ear were evaluated. Results indicated localization benefits when acoustic amplification was used in both ears. Systematic adjustments of the relative output and cross-over frequencies were implemented to determine the settings that optimized outcomes. Results from a case study indicated benefits for localization and speech perception when electric-acoustic stimulation in one ear was combined with a hearing aid in the opposite ear, after acoustic-to-electric levels and cross-over frequencies were optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarises findings from studies that evaluated the benefits of bimodal fitting (combining a hearing aid and a cochlear implant in opposite ears) or bilateral cochlear implantation, relative to unilateral implantation, for children (Ching et al., 2007). On average, the size of binaural speech intelligibility advantages due to redundancy and head shadow was similar for the two bilateral conditions. An added advantage of bimodal fitting was that the low-frequency cues provided by acoustic hearing complemented the high-frequency cues conveyed by electric hearing in perception of voice and music. Some children with bilateral cochlear implants were able to use spatial separation between speech and noise to improve speech perception in noise. This is possibly a combined effect of the directional microphones in their implant systems and their ability to use spatial cues. The evidence to date supports the provision of hearing in two ears as the standard of care. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports interim findings of a prospective study that examines longitudinal outcomes of early- and later-identified children with hearing impairment in Australia. Eighty-seven children with cochlear implants were assessed using the Preschool Language Scale at one or more intervals. Results demonstrated that children who received a cochlear implant before 12 months of age developed normal language skills and at a rate that is comparable to normal-hearing children. Children who received later implantation performed at two standard deviations below the normative mean. These results are preliminary, as there are currently insufficient data to examine the effect of multiple factors on language outcomes and the rate of language development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses whether children who did not wear a hearing aid after implantation would benefit from using a hearing aid using a cochlear implant in opposite ears. There is increasing evidence on the binaural benefits achievable with the use of hearing aids with cochlear implants in opposite ears for children who have continued to wear a hearing aid with a cochlear implant after implantation. This study aimed to evaluate whether children who received a unilateral cochlear implant but did not continue to wear a hearing aid in the opposite ear for up to eight years would benefit from using a cochlear implant with a hearing aid.