Computer-based auditory phoneme discrimination training improves speech recognition in noise in experienced adult cochlear implant listeners

Abstract

Objective: Specific computer-based auditory training may be a useful completion in the rehabilitation process for cochlear implant (CI) listeners to achieve sufficient speech intelligibility. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computerized, phoneme-discrimination training programme. Design: The study employed a pretest-post-test design; participants were randomly assigned to the training or control group. Over a period of three weeks, the training group was instructed to train in phoneme discrimination via computer, twice a week. Sentence recognition in different noise conditions (moderate to difficult) was tested pre- and post-training, and six months after the training was completed. The control group was tested and retested within one month. Study sample: Twenty-seven adult CI listeners who had been using cochlear implants for more than two years participated in the programme; 15 adults in the training group, 12 adults in the control group. Results: Besides significant improvements for the trained phoneme-identification task, a generalized training effect was noted via significantly improved sentence recognition in moderate noise. No significant changes were noted in the difficult noise conditions. Improved performance was maintained over an extended period. Conclusions: Phoneme-discrimination training improves experienced CI listeners’ speech perception in noise. Additional research is needed to optimize auditory training for individual benefit.

Key Words::

• Adult cochlear implant listeners
• auditory training
• phoneme discrimination and identification
• sentence recognition in noise
• speech audiometry

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments. We would also like to thank Josie Wyss and Dianne Mecklenburg (Cochlear AG, Basel, Switzerland) for their helpful proofreading. This work was performed in partial fulfilment of the requirements for obtaining the degree ‘Dr. rer. biol. hum.’, and supported, in part, by Cochlear Research and Development Ltd.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.