Deafness
Conditions
Brief summary
In this study, investigators will examine how temporal rate processing might be affected when the width of neural excitation narrows. The manipulation of neural excitation width will be achieved for example by changing electrode configurations or stimulating single versus multiple electrodes simultaneously. Investigators will then measure if the extent to which rate processing is affected by spatially restricted stimulation can predict a subject's overall speech recognition and predict also whether the subject is likely to benefit from a focused electrode configuration. Lastly, investigators will introduce and test a novel current focusing strategy where current focusing is applied in a channel specific manner and quantify if this intervention improves speech recognition. The primary endpoint of the study is speech recognition, and the secondary endpoint is psychophysical sensitivity to stimulation rate change.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALElectrode selection/electrode configuration
Electrodes will be chosen based on their spatial tuning curves. Focused stimulation will be applied to electrodes with good temporal processing acuity.
Sponsors
East Carolina University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
15 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Native speakers of English * Cochlear Nucleus cochlear implant users or Advanced Bionics users * Postlingually deafened * Has had device experience for at least one year * Can be child or adult at the time of enrollment
Exclusion criteria
* None
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity to stimulation rate change at threshold | starting 6 months post award notice and will take up to 4 years to complete | Subjects' psychophysical detection thresholds will be measured as a function of the rate of stimulation delivered to selected electrodes and selected electrode configuration |
| Discrimination of stimulation rate | starting 6 months post award notice and will take up to 4 years to complete | subjects' ability to discriminate stimulation rates will be measured as a function of base stimulation rates at selected electrodes and selected electrode configuration. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Speech recognition | starting 6 months post award notice and will take up to 4 years to complete | Speech recognition in quiet and in noise will be measured under three conditions: 1. the traditional monopolar electrode configuration; 2. using current focusing on electrodes that show good sensitivity to rate change; 3. using current focusing on all electrodes. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed