Speech recognition outcomes in Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant users with fine structure processing

Abstract

Conclusion: Mandarin-speaking adults can use the Fine Structure Processing (FSP) coding strategy as well as the Continuous Interleaved Sampling (CIS+) coding strategy. No loss in performance was observed after switch-over. Tone identification improves over time with the FSP coding strategy, which is of benefit to tonal-language users. After some time, fine structure was preferred.Objective: This study aimed to determine speech perception, tone perception, and the subjective preferences of Mandarin-speaking adults who received the FSP coding strategy, at upgrade from the CIS + coding strategy.Methods: Thirteen Mandarin-speaking subjects were tested at switch-over from CIS + to the FSP coding strategy ∼1-month after switch-over, 2-months after switch-over, and 3-months after switch-over with the Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test (M-HINT), the Mandarin Tone Identification in Noise Test (M-TINT), and a visual analogue scale assessing Sound and Speech Assessment (SSA).Results: There were no significant differences in the M-HINT between presentation levels (62 dB SPL vs 65 dB SPL), over time, nor when compared to the CIS + coding strategy. Tone perception improved significantly over time with the FSP coding strategy. Subjects rated the FSP coding strategy with the OPUS 2 as significantly more ‘full’ and ‘rich’ than with the CIS + coding strategy after 3-months.