Training improves cochlear implant rate discrimination on a psychophysical task

J Acoust Soc Am. 2014 Jan;135(1):334-41. doi: 10.1121/1.4835735.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which cochlear implant (CI) rate discrimination can be improved through training. Six adult CI users took part in a study that included 32 h of training and assessment on rate discrimination measures. Rate difference limens (DLs) were measured from 110 to 3520 Hz in octave steps using 500 ms biphasic pulse trains; the target and standard stimuli were loudness-balanced with the target always at an adaptively lower rate. DLs were measured at four electrode positions corresponding to basal, mid-basal, mid-apical, and apical locations. Procedural variations were implemented to determine if rate discrimination was impacted by random variations in stimulus amplitude or by amplitude modulation. DLs improved by more than a factor of 2 across subjects, electrodes, and standard rates. Factor analysis indicated that the effect of training was comparable for all electrodes and standard rates tested. Neither level roving nor amplitude modulation had a significant effect on rate DLs. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that training can significantly improve CI rate discrimination on a psychophysical task.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Audiometry
  • Auditory Threshold
  • Cochlear Implantation / instrumentation*
  • Cochlear Implants*
  • Correction of Hearing Impairment / instrumentation*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Loudness Perception
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Persons With Hearing Impairments / psychology
  • Persons With Hearing Impairments / rehabilitation*
  • Pitch Discrimination*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Psychoacoustics*
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult