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The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology
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Improvement of cochlear implant performance: changes in dynamic range

The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology volume 31, pages 36–41 (2015)Cite this article

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Abstract

Context

Theoretically, a wide input dynamic range (IDR) will capture more of the incoming acoustic signal than a narrow IDR, allowing the cochlear implant (CI) user to hear soft, medium, and loud sound. A narrow IDR may restrict the CI user’s ability to hear soft speech and sound because less of the incoming acoustic signal is being mapped into the CI user′s electrical dynamic range.

Aim

The overall goal of the study is to provide guidelines for audiologists to efficiently and effectively optimize performance of CI recipients for two difficult listening situations: understanding soft speech and speech in noise.

Settings and design

Two variables were studied; the independent variables were IDR and the electric dynamic range of the channels. The dependent variables were six Ling sounds, monosyllabic word test, and speech in noise test.

Materials and methods

Fourteen patients participated in the study. For each patient, seven programs were created. In each program, dependent variables were assessed in different independent ones.

Results

A restricted IDR resulted in poor speech recognition compared with the relatively wide IDR. Subjectively determined T level and most comfortable level (MCL) at the most, not the maximum, comfortable level appears to have a positive effect on both soft sound recognition and speech discrimination.

Conclusion

Dynamic range is an important factor -among others- to improve the ability of CI users to understand soft speech as well as speech in noise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Audiology Unit, Departments of ENT, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Ahmed Khater MD & Ahmed Anany

  2. Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

    Amira El Shennaway

Authors
  1. Ahmed Khater MD
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  2. Amira El Shennaway
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  3. Ahmed Anany
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Correspondence to Ahmed Khater MD.

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Khater, A., El Shennaway, A. & Anany, A. Improvement of cochlear implant performance: changes in dynamic range. Egypt J Otolaryngol 31, 36–41 (2015). https://doi.org/10.4103/1012-5574.152706

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1012-5574.152706

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