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Sound-Direction Identification with Bilateral Cochlear Implants

2007; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 28; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/01.aud.0000249910.80803.b9

1538-4667

Arlene C. Neuman, Anita Haravon, Nicole Sislian, Susan B. Waltzman,

Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics

In Brief Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of sound-direction identification in the horizontal plane by bilateral cochlear implant users when localization was measured with pink noise and with speech stimuli. Design: Eight adults who were bilateral users of Nucleus 24 Contour devices participated in the study. All had received implants in both ears in a single surgery. Sound-direction identification was measured in a large classroom by using a nine-loudspeaker array. Localization was tested in three listening conditions (bilateral cochlear implants, left cochlear implant, and right cochlear implant), using two different stimuli (a speech stimulus and pink noise bursts) in a repeated-measures design. Results: Sound-direction identification accuracy was significantly better when using two implants than when using a single implant. The mean root-mean-square error was 29° for the bilateral condition, 54° for the left cochlear implant, and 46.5° for the right cochlear implant condition. Unilateral accuracy was similar for right cochlear implant and left cochlear implant performance. Sound-direction identification performance was similar for speech and pink noise stimuli. Conclusions: The data obtained in this study add to the growing body of evidence that sound-direction identification with bilateral cochlear implants is better than with a single implant. The similarity in localization performance obtained with the speech and pink noise supports the use of either stimulus for measuring sound-direction identification. The accuracy of sound-direction identification in the horizontal plane was assessed on eight adult bilateral cochlear implant users (Nucleus 24 Contour devices). Localization was tested in three listening conditions (bilateral implants active, unilateral left, and unilateral right) using two different stimuli (a speech stimulus and pink noise bursts) in a repeated measures design. Sound direction identification accuracy was significantly better when using two implants, than a single implant. Unilateral accuracy did not differ significantly between ears. Similar results were obtained with speech and pink noise stimuli.