Word perception in noise at different channels in simulated cochlear implant listeners

Abstract

AIM: To find out effect of different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) on word perception at different number of channels.METHODS: Thirty participants with normal hearing in the age range of 18-25 years (mean age 23.6 years) were involved in the study. For word perception test, there were 28 key-words embedded in sentences comprises of four lists processed for different channels (4, 8 and 32 channel) using AngelSim program at -5, 0 and +5 SNRs. The recorded stimuli were routed through audiometer connected with computer with CD player and presented in free field condition with speakers kept at 0° azimuth in a sound treated room.RESULTS: Repeated measure ANOVA showed significant main effect across different SNRs at 4 channel, 8 channel and at 32 channel. Further, Bonferroni multiple pairwise comparisons shows significant differences between all the possible combinations (4, 8 and 32 channel) at +5 dB SNR, 0 dB SNR and -5 dB SNR.CONCLUSION: Present study highlights the importance of more number of channels and higher signal to noise ratio for better perception of words in noise in simulated cochlear implantees.Kumar P, Sanju HK, Kumar S, Singh V. Word perception in noise at different channels in simulated cochlear implant listeners.