Optimising the effect of noise reduction algorithm ClearVoice in cochlear implant users by increasing the maximum comfort levels

Abstract Objective: ClearVoice is a single-microphone noise reduction algorithm in Advanced Bionics cochlear implant(CI) systems with the aim to improve performance in background noise. The present study investigated a hypothesised increased effect of ClearVoice if combined with a structural increase of maximum comfort stimulation levels (M-levels) in the CI fitting. Design: We tested performance with ClearVoice (Medium) in four conditions, defined by combined settings of ClearVoice off/on and with/without 5% increase of M-levels. The main outcome measures were the Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) and the speech reception threshold in continuous background noise (SRTn). Study sample: Participants were 16 experienced cochlear implant recipients with Advanced Bionics implants and a Naida Q70 processor. Results: The ANL significantly improved by using either ClearVoice or an increase of M-levels. Combining both settings gave the largest improvement in ANL. For the SRTn, we found a small, but significant interaction between ClearVoice and an increase of M-levels, implying that ClearVoice improved speech understanding slightly, but only if combined with a 5% increase of M-levels. Conclusions: Optimal profit from ClearVoice is obtained if combined with a structural 5% increase of M-levels.

[1]  Anna Chi Shan Kam,et al.  Evaluation of the ClearVoice Strategy in Adults Using HiResolution Fidelity 120 Sound Processing , 2012, Clinical and experimental otorhinolaryngology.

[2]  Justyn Pisa,et al.  Evidence-based design of a noise-management algorithm , 2010 .

[3]  Stefan J. Mauger,et al.  Cochlear implant optimized noise reduction , 2012, Journal of neural engineering.

[4]  Benjamin W Y Hornsby,et al.  The Effects of Digital Noise Reduction on the Acceptance of Background Noise , 2006, Trends in amplification.

[5]  M. J. Osberger,et al.  Enhanced Hearing in Noise for Cochlear Implant Recipients: Clinical Trial Results for a Commercially Available Speech-Enhancement Strategy , 2014, Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology.

[6]  E. Erdfelder,et al.  Statistical power analyses using G*Power 3.1: Tests for correlation and regression analyses , 2009, Behavior research methods.

[7]  Robert A Muenchen,et al.  Acceptable noise level as a predictor of hearing aid use. , 2006, Journal of the American Academy of Audiology.

[8]  A. Goedegebure,et al.  Type of Speech Material Affects Acceptable Noise Level Test Outcome , 2016, Front. Psychol..

[9]  Thomas Lenarz,et al.  Results of a Pilot Study With a Signal Enhancement Algorithm for HiRes 120 Cochlear Implant Users , 2010, Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology.

[10]  T Houtgast,et al.  Method for the selection of sentence materials for efficient measurement of the speech reception threshold. , 1999, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

[11]  Christine Brenner,et al.  Postlingual adult performance in noise with HiRes 120 and ClearVoice Low, Medium, and High , 2013, Cochlear implants international.

[12]  Francis Kuk,et al.  Subjective and objective evaluation of noise management algorithms. , 2009, Journal of the American Academy of Audiology.

[13]  Steen Østergaard Olsen,et al.  Does the acceptable noise level (ANL) predict hearing-aid use? , 2014, International journal of audiology.

[14]  Andreas Büchner,et al.  Improved Speech Intelligibility With Cochlear Implants Using State-of-the-Art Noise Reduction Algorithms , 2012, ITG Conference on Speech Communication.

[15]  Stefan J. Mauger,et al.  Clinical Evaluation of Signal-to-Noise Ratio–Based Noise Reduction in Nucleus® Cochlear Implant Recipients , 2011, Ear and hearing.

[16]  J Gertjan Dingemanse,et al.  Application of Noise Reduction Algorithm ClearVoice in Cochlear Implant Processing: Effects on Noise Tolerance and Speech Intelligibility in Noise in Relation to Spectral Resolution , 2015, Ear and hearing.

[17]  Gowri Raman,et al.  Cochlear implantation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. , 2013, JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery.

[18]  N. Noël-Pétroff,et al.  Pediatric Evaluation of the ClearVoice™ Speech Enhancement Algorithm in Everyday Life , 2013, Audiology research.