Music perception of cochlear implant users: A questionnaire, and its implications for a music training program

Abstract

Abstract

Current research has shown that although adult cochlear implant (CI) users generally find music to be less enjoyable following implantation, training may help some recipients to improve their music perception. This study developed and administered a questionnaire (The University of Canterbury Music Listening Questionnaire: UCMLQ), to collect information which could then be used to develop such a music training program (MTP). One hundred adult recipients completed the UCMLQ. Results showed that respondents generally found music to be less enjoyable post-implantation, and thought that music did not sound as they would expect it to sound to a person with normal hearing. However, it was reported that music listening could be enhanced by controlling the listening environment, being selective about the music chosen, and using a contralateral HA. The preferred logistics for a MTP were 30-minute sessions, 2–3 times per week, using a DVD format. The program should focus on improving recipients' ability to recognize tunes, and encompass a wide range of musical styles. The findings support the development of a MTP for CI users to better enable them to enjoy and appreciate music, and to maximize their potential with current technology.

Sumario

Las investigaciones recientes han mostrado que a pesar de que los usuarios adultos de implantes cocleares (IC) generalmente encuentran que la música es menos agradable después de la implantación, el entrenamiento puede ayudar a algunos a mejorar su percepción de la música. En este estudio se desarrolló y administró un cuestionario (Cuestionario para escuchar musica de la Universidad de Canterbury: UCMLQ) para colectar información que podría después usarse en el desarrollo de un programa de entrenamiento musical (MTP). Cien implantados adultos completaron el UCMLQ. Los resultados muestran que los que respondieron, generalmente encuentran la música menos agradable después de la implantación y piensan que no suena como esperarían que sonara a una persona con audición normal. No obstante, se reportó que la audición de la música puede mejorar si se controla el ambiente de escucha, siendo selectivos en relación con la música que se escoge y usando un auxiliar auditivo contralateral. La logística preferida para un MTP fue con sesiones de 30 minutos, 2–3 veces por semana, usando un formato DVD. El programa debe enfocarse a mejorar la habilidad de los usuarios para reconocer tonadas y comprende un amplio rango de estilos musicales. Los hallazgos apoyan el desarrollo de un MTP para usuarios de IC con objeto de permitirles un mayor agrado y apreciación de la música y para maximizar su potencial con la tecnología actual.

Key Words:

• Cochlear implants
• Music
• Questionnaire
• Sound quality

Acknowledgements

Funding for this research was provided by the Cooperative Research Centre for Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Innovation. The authors would also like to acknowledge: Dr Peter Busby and Dr Pam Dawson from Cochlear Ltd., Australia, for their invaluable advice and assistance with all facets of this study; Ms Prue Humber for her administrative help, and Dr Emily Lin for statistical advice. Finally, the authors would also like to thank all of the implant users who completed the questionnaire for their time and contribution to this study.

Preliminary and partial results from this study have been presented at the following conferences:

• The 2^nd International Symposium on Cochlear Implants and Music, Feb 6–7 2008, Zurich, Switzerland.

• The 10th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences, San Diego, USA, 10–12 April, 2008.

• The 12^th World Congress of Music Therapy, Buenos Aires, 22–26 July. 2008.

• The 6^th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implants & Related Sciences. Sydney, Australia. 30th Oct–2nd Nov, 2007.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.