Alternative modes of stimulation will be investigated that may improve spectral resolution through reduced cochlear spread of excitation and in turn provide enhanced speech perception and real-world clinical benefits over MP stimulation. The purpose of this feasibility study is to explore several facets of hearing performance that may show improvements with these alternative modes of stimulation compared to MP stimulation within a group of adult cochlear-implant recipients. Measures of speech recognition, music appreciation, listening effort, quality of life, and real-world assessments will be gathered to determine the most promising benefits for further examination. Individual neural, psychophysical, cognitive, and electrode placement data will also be obtained to inform questions related to across-subject variability, and practical aspects of power consumption and device fitting will be evaluated.
This feasibility study is designed to explore several facets of hearing performance that may show improvements for alternative modes of stimulation compared to Monopolar (MP) stimulation within a group of adult cochlear-implant recipients. Measures of speech recognition, music appreciation, listening effort, quality of life, and real-world assessments will be gathered to determine the most promising benefits for further examination.