Participatory design of a music aural rehabilitation programme

Abstract

Objectives

Many cochlear implant (CI) users wish to enjoy music but are dissatisfied by its quality as perceived through their implant. Although there is evidence to suggest that training can improve CI users’ perception and appraisal of music, availability of interactive music-based aural rehabilitation for adults is limited. In response to this need, an ‘Interactive Music Awareness Programme’ (IMAP) was developed with and for adult CI users.

Methods

An iterative design and evaluation approach was used. The process began with identification of user needs through consultations, followed by use of mock-up applications in workshops. Feedback from these were used to develop the prototype IMAP; a programme of 24 interactive sessions, enabling users to create and manipulate music. The prototype IMAP was subsequently evaluated in a home trial with 16 adult CI users over a period of 12 weeks.

Results

Overall ratings for the prototype IMAP were positive and indicated that it met users’ needs. Quantitative and qualitative feedback on the sessions and software in the prototype IMAP were used to identify aspects of the programme that worked well and aspects that required improvement. The IMAP was further developed in response to users’ feedback and is freely available online.

Conclusions

The participatory design approach used in developing the IMAP was fundamental in ensuring its relevance, and regular feedback from end users in each phase of development proved valuable for early identification of issues. Observations and feedback from end users supported a holistic approach to music aural rehabilitation.

Keywords:

• Participatory design
• Music aural rehabilitation
• Cochlear implant
• Interactive learning
• Computer-based training

Notes

1 Boothroyd (2007) defines adult aural rehabilitation holistically as ‘the reduction of hearing-loss-induced deficits of function, activity, participation, and quality of life through a combination of sensory management, instruction, perceptual training, and counselling’. We use this definition.

2 GarageBand is a music software application for Mac OS X and iOS developed by Apple Inc. Full documentation available at: https://www.apple.com/uk/mac/garageband/.

3 Max/MSP is a visual programming language by developer, Cycling ‘74’ for working with multimedia. Full documentation available at: https://cycling74.com/products/max/.

4 Developed by Turning Technologies and distributed in the UK by Reivo Ltd.

5 A high-level JavaScript programming interface for integrating audio processing in Web applications.