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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential improvements of speech perception and sound quality provided by a multiband single channel noise-reduction algorithm based on the modified Wiener-filter adapted to cochlear implant sound processing. Design: This study was a longitudinal trial with a repeated-measures design. Outcome measures were performed on the first day when the noise reduction feature was provided and after a one month habituation period. Objective measures included pure-tone thresholds and vocal audiometry assessments. Speech perception was measured in quiet and in the presence of two types of noise: a stationary speech shaped noise and a two-talker cocktail noise. Subjective sound quality was assessed using a ten item questionnaire. Study Sample: Thirteen post-lingual deaf adults, experienced users of a cochlear implant system, took part in this study. Results: The noise-reduction algorithm provided a benefit for the perception of speech presented in a stationary speech shaped noise and an overall improvement in subjective sound quality ratings. Conclusions: It was shown that a single channel noise reduction system based on a modified Wiener-filter approach can improve speech in noise perception performance and subjective sound quality in cochlear implant patients.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the thirteen patients who took part in this trial. This study was promoted by Oticon Medical-Neurelec.
Declaration of interests
Four authors, M.A., S.S., M.H. & D.G., are employees of Oticon Medical, manufacturer of the technology described in the article. These authors were implicated in the study design and manuscript preparation. For the remaining authors, none were declared.