SUBJECTIVE RATING OF MUSIC PERCEPTION WITH TWO GENERATIONS OF THE ADVANCED BIONICS COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEM

Kreibohm K (1), Adams D (1), Brendel M (1,2), Ruehl S (1), Lesinski-Schiedat S (1), Buechner A (1), Lenarz T (1).  

(1) Medical University of Hannover, Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover, Germany; (2) Advanced Bionics GmbH, Hannover, Germany

Background: In the past years, an increasing number of research studies are focusing on music perception in the field of cochlear implants. It could be shown that today’s cochlear implant (CI) technology convey certain musical elements better than previous generations. However, only little research has been carried out to compare the behavioural music perception through today’s cochlear implant technology with the impression of users implanted with earlier generation systems.

Aim: Two surveys were initiated to gain insight into factors influencing the rating of music perception, like speech processor type (Clarion 1.2, S-Series, Platinum Series, Platinum BTE, CII BTE, Auria, Harmony), speech coding strategy (CIS, SAS, PPS, HiRes, HiRes 120), speech perception, habits and demographics.

Method: In a first survey, 100 users of any Advanced Bionics implant system were interviewed regarding five topics of everyday listening situations, one of them being music. More than 15 users shall participate in a second survey which addresses the sound quality of various types of music, ability to identify musical instruments and to follow the melody, as well as hearing habits in further details.

Results: The subjective music appreciation correlated with the subjective speech perception, but not to the speech perception measured by speech tests. Demographical factors such as duration of implant use, age at implantation and duration of deafness influenced the rating of the music’s sound quality. Certain aspects such as instrument identification were rated better by users of newer technology. The evaluation of the second survey will give further insight how hearing habits prior implantation influence the habits, the appreciation, and the subjective performance after implantation.

Conclusion: Preliminary data indicate that not only demographical data but to some degree also implant technology influence musical enjoyment. Further evaluation of the second questionnaire is needed to draw further conclusions.

E-mail: kreibohm@hoerzentrum-hannover.de