The Benefits of Bimodal Aiding on Extended Dimensions of Speech Perception: Intelligibility, Listening Effort, and Sound Quality

Elke M. J. Devocht*, A. Miranda L. Janssen, Josef Chalupper, Robert J. Stokroos, Erwin L. J. George

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The benefits of combining a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid (HA) in opposite ears on speech perception were examined in 15 adult unilateral CI recipients who regularly use a contralateral HA. A within-subjects design was carried out to assess speech intelligibility testing, listening effort ratings, and a sound quality questionnaire for the conditions CI alone, CIHA together, and HA alone when applicable. The primary outcome of bimodal benefit, defined as the difference between CIHA and CI, was statistically significant for speech intelligibility in quiet as well as for intelligibility in noise across tested spatial conditions. A reduction in effort on top of intelligibility at the highest tested signal-to-noise ratio was found. Moreover, the bimodal listening situation was rated to sound more voluminous, less tinny, and less unpleasant than CI alone. Listening effort and sound quality emerged as feasible and relevant measures to demonstrate bimodal benefit across a clinically representative range of bimodal users. These extended dimensions of speech perception can shed more light on the array of benefits provided by complementing a CI with a contralateral HA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-20
Number of pages20
JournalTrends in hearing
Volume21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • cochlear implant
  • bimodal hearing
  • speech perception
  • listening effort
  • sound quality
  • COCHLEAR IMPLANT USERS
  • CONTRALATERAL HEARING-AID
  • LOW-FREQUENCY HEARING
  • MATRIX SENTENCE TEST
  • BINAURAL HEARING
  • WORKING-MEMORY
  • OPPOSITE EARS
  • ELECTRIC-STIMULATION
  • RESIDUAL HEARING
  • NONIMPLANTED EAR

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