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Abstract
Objective: This article provides a detailed description and evaluation of the next Nucleus® cochlear implant fitting suite. A new fitting methodology is presented that, at its simplest level, requires a single volume adjustment, and at its advanced level, provides access to 22-channel fitting. It is implemented on multiple platforms, including a mobile platform (Remote Assistant Fitting) and an accessible PC application (Nucleus Fitting Software). Additional tools for home care and surgical care are also described. Design: Two trials were conducted, comparing the fitting methodology with the existing Custom Sound™ methodology, as fitted by the recipient and by an experienced cochlear implant audiologist. Study sample:Thirty-seven subjects participated in the trials. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the group mean scores, whether fitted by the recipient or by an experienced audiologist. The lower bounds of the 95% confidence intervals of the differences represented clinically insignificant differences. No statistically significant differences were found in the subjective program preferences of the subjects. Conclusions: Equivalent speech perception outcomes were demonstrated when compared to current best practice. As such, the new technology has the potential to expand the capacity of audiological care without compromising efficacy.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Jane Cockburn and Barry Alderton for their insights and suggestions on the manuscript. The authors thank the clinicians who assisted with the fitting sessions and data collection, especially: Komal Arora, Jillian Crosson, Justin Pirano, Esti Nel, Catherine Morgan, and Marian Jones. They also thank their subjects who were, as always, exceptionally generous with their time.
Declaration of interest: The authors are contractors or employees of Cochlear Limited, the manufacturer of the technology described in the article.
Notes
Notes
1. Levels are specified on a current level (CL) scale. For the Nucleus CI24RE and Nucleus 5 implant, I (μA) = 17.5 × 100CL/255. Each current level step (1CL) is a 0.16 dB change in current.
2. Based on data from 659 recipients at two large cochlear implant Australian clinics.
3. Cubic interpolation is used, rather than linear interpolation. The validity of interpolation depends upon the similarity in T- and C-levels at neighbouring electrodes, which is reasonable with broad current spread. Hence, only monopolar stimulation modes are supported by the methodology.
4. Specifically, programs that use monopolar stimulation modes, default channel-to-electrode mappings, a single pulse width across all channels and at least 12 active electrodes.