Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index Research Articles

Cognitive Changes Up to 4 Years After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Using the RBANS-H.

Hearing loss is a worldwide health problem that currently affects around 20% of the world's population. Untreated hearing loss can have a significant impact on daily life, it can cause social isolation, loneliness, frustration, and higher anxiety and depression rates. Furthermore, older adults with hearing impairment have a higher risk for accelerated cognitive decline compared with normal-hearing individuals. Previous research indicated a positive effect of cochlear implantation on Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) and cognitive functioning 1 year after cochlear implantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of cochlear implantation on cognition and HRQoL in older adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss. All included subjects were 55 years or older with postlingual, bilateral, severe-to-profound hearing loss, and received a unilateral cochlear implant. Cognition was evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing Impaired Individuals (RBANS-H), and HRQoL was evaluated using the following five questionnaires: Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ); Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI); Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12); Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS); and Type D questionnaire (DS14). Individuals were evaluated preoperatively, and annually up to 4 years after CI activation. After cochlear implantation an improvement in hearing, cognition, and HRQoL was observed. When comparing preoperative and 12 months postoperative results a significant improvement was observed in the total RBANS-H score (mean [SD], 92.78 [±15.08] versus 98.35 [±14.18], p < 0.001) and the subdomain scores for "Immediate Memory" (94.13 [±18.75] versus 105.39 [±19.98], p = 0.005), "Attention" (86.17 [±19.02] versus 91.57 [±15.35], p = 0.048), and "Delayed memory" (97.91 [±14.51] versus 103.83 [±14.714], p = 0.017). When comparing preoperative results with 4 years postoperative results, a significant improvement was observed in "Immediate Memory" (94.13 [±18.75] versus 101.91 [±16.09], p = 0.020) and a significant decline was observed in "Visuospatial Memory" (97.04 [±17.47] versus 87.26 [±13.41], p = 0.013). Compared with the preoperative results, no significant improvement was observed in the total RBANS-H score 4 years after implantation. A significant improvement was observed for the HRQoL questionnaires, that is, NCIQ, HISQUI19, SSQ12, HADS, and DS14, 1 year after cochlear implantation. When comparing preoperative results with 4-year postoperative results, significant improvement was observed for the NCIQ and DS14 social inhibition scores. Long-term results of the SSQ12 and HISQUI19 were lacking. Unilateral cochlear implantation in an adult population with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss has a positive effect on cognitive functioning and HRQoL 1 year after activation. This positive effect on cognitive functioning was no longer observed 4 years after cochlear implantation. Further research is needed to explain individual variation in the evolution of cognitive functioning.

Associations between illness perceptions, word recognition, and perceived sound quality in cochlear implant users.

Illness perceptions refer to thoughts and ideas an individual has about an illness. The aim was to understand how cochlear implant (CI) users' illness perceptions, in addition to their monosyllabic word recognition abilities, are associated with their self-perceived sound quality. Data were collected during routine CI check-up appointments. Participants completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (assessing their illness perceptions) and the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (assessing their subjective sound quality). Additionally, monosyllabic word recognition abilities were measured with the Freiburg Monosyllable Word Test. Hierarchical regression analysis were utilised to model users' sound quality ratings. Participants' age was entered first as a control variable. In the next step, monosyllabic word recognition was entered. Finally, participants' illness perceptions were entered. Fifty-five participants with unilateral CI provision. Monosyllabic word recognition was significant in the second step. When illness perceptions and monosyllabic word recognition were both included in the third step, illness perceptions, but not monosyllabic word recognition, were significant. The model explained 22% of the variance of subjective sound quality. Monosyllabic word recognition abilities and illness perceptions of CI users are important for their self-reported sound quality, but illness perceptions appear to be potentially more relevant.

Association of Self-Reported Coping Strategies With Speech Recognition Outcomes in Adult Cochlear Implant Users.

To characterize the degree to which individual coping strategies may influence speech perception after cochlear implantation. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral center. Adult, postlingually deaf cochlear implant recipients. The Coping Orientation to Problems Experience inventory, a validated, multidimensional self-reported coping scale, was administered preoperatively. Speech perception was measured using consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) phoneme and word scores, AzBio sentence accuracy in quiet and noise, and Hearing in Noise Test sentences in quiet preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Quality of life was measured with the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index and the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire. Thirty-six patients were included in this study. Mean age at surgery was 70.7 ± 11.4 years. Acceptance was associated with a decreased AzBio in noise score in the 6 months after CI (regression coefficient b = -0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.07 to -0.03; p < 0.01). Denial was associated with a decreased AzBio in quiet score (b = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.09 to -0.01; p < 0.05), whereas humor was associated with an increased AzBio in quiet score (b = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.04; p < 0.05). Humor was also associated with an increased Hearing in Noise Test score (b = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.07; p < 0.05). Denial was associated with decreased CNC word (b = -0.04; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.02; p < 0.01) and phoneme (b = -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.02; p < 0.01) scores, whereas substance use was associated with increased CNC word (b = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05, p < 0.01) and phoneme (b = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.06; p < 0.01) scores. Scores on self-reported quality of life measures were not significantly correlated with coping strategies. A variety of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies are used by postlingually deaf adult cochlear implant users. Denial and acceptance may be more predictive of poor speech performance, whereas humor and substance use may be more predictive of improved speech performance.

Subjective Sound Quality Detection (HISQUI) over Time after Vibrant Soundbridge Implantation.

Background: To evaluate the long-term audiological outcomes combined with the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI) after Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) implantation. Methods: Prospective recall cohort study of patients who received a VSB in a tertiary academic medical center between 1996 and 2017. Air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC), sound field thresholds in aided and unaided conditions, and speech discrimination in noise (Oldenburger sentence test) were measured. Postoperative results were compared with preoperative audiograms. Furthermore, the HISQUI was evaluated. Results: Ten patients (eleven implants) were included, the mean follow up period was nine years. The mean AC threshold preoperatively was between 63 and 70 dB, and the BC was between 38 and 49 dB from 500 to 4000 Hz. In the free-field audiogram, the mean threshold was between 61 and 77 dB unaided vs. between 28 and 52 dB in the aided condition. The average signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the Oldenburger sentence test in the unaided condition was 10 dB ± 6.7 dB vs. 2 dB ± 5.4 dB in the aided condition. Three patients reported a good to very good hearing result, four patients a moderate, and three patients a poor hearing result. There was a significant association between the years of implantation and the HISQUI (p = 0.013), as well as a significant decrease by 14 HISQUI points per 10 dB SPL decline (SE 5.2, p = 0.023). There was a significant difference between the change of BC over the years and the HISQUI, as well as the number of years after implantation and the HISQUI. On average, per dB decrease in BC, the HISQUI decreases by 1.4 points, and every year after implantation the HISQUI decreases by 2.7 points. Conclusions: The aided threshold in free field and speech understanding in noise improved significantly with VSB. An increase over time of BC thresholds was observed as well as a decrease in HISQUI score. This decrease in BC thresholds over time may be due to presbycusis. Therefore, monitoring of these patients over time should be considered to discuss alternative hearing rehabilitation measures in a timely manner.

Effect of cochlear implantation on cognitive decline and quality of life in younger and older adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss

Purpose(a) To measure the change in cognition, the improvement of speech perception, and the subjective benefit in people under and over 60 years following cochlear implantation. (b) To assess the relationship between cognition, demographic, audiometric, and subjective outcomes in both age groups.Methods28 cochlear implant (CI) users were assigned to the < 60y group and 35 to the ≥ 60y group. Cognition was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing impaired individuals (RBANS-H); subjective benefit was measured using the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ); the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI); the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19); Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12); and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsPrior to surgery: the RBANS-H total score positively correlated with the domains “Advanced sound”, “Self-esteem”, and “Social functioning” of NCIQ, and negatively with HADS scores. 12 months post-implantation: the RBANS-H total score increased in the < 60y (p = 0.038) and in the ≥ 60y group (p < 0.001); speech perception and subjective outcomes also improved; RBANS-H total score positively correlated with “Self-esteem” domain in NCIQ. Age and the RBANS-H total score correlated negatively in the ≥ 60y group (p = 0.026).ConclusionsAfter implantation, both age groups demonstrated improved cognition, speech perception and quality of life. Their depression scores decreased. Age was inversely associated with cognition.

Perceptions of Sound Quality and Enjoyment After Cochlear Implantation.

ObjectivesTo characterize the quality and enjoyment of sound by cochlear implant (CI) recipients and identify predictors of these outcomes after cochlear implantation.Study DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA tertiary care hospital.MethodsSurveys based on the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index were sent to all patients who received a CI at a tertiary care hospital from 2000 to 2019. Survey questions prompted CI recipients to characterize enjoyment and quality of voices, music, and various sounds.ResultsOf the 339 surveys, 60 (17.7%) were returned with complete data. CI recipients had a mean ± SD age of 62.5 ± 17.4 years with a mean 8.0 ± 6.1 years since CI surgery. Older current age and age at implantation significantly predicted lower current sound quality (P < .05) and sound enjoyment (P < .05), as well as worsening of sound quality (P < .05) and sound enjoyment (P < .05) over time. Greater length of implantation was associated with higher reported quality and enjoyment (r = 0.4, P < .001; r = 0.4, P < .05), as well as improvement of sound quality (r = 0.3, P < .05) but not sound enjoyment over time.ConclusionRecipients who had CIs for a longer period had improved quality of sound perception, suggesting a degree of adaptation. However, CI recipients with implantation at an older age reported poorer sound quality and enjoyment as well as worsening sound quality and enjoyment over time, indicating that age-related changes influence outcomes of cochlear implantation.

Quality of Life Following Cochlear Implantation in Patients With Menière's Disease.

Background: Menière's disease (MD) is a disorder characterized by auditory and vestibular dysfunction that significantly deteriorates patients' quality of life (QoL). In addition to the management of vestibular symptoms, some patients with bilateral hearing loss meet criteria for cochlear implantation (CI).Objectives: (1) To assess hearing results and QoL outcomes following CI in patients with MD. (2) To compare these results to a matched control group of patients who had undergone CI. (3) To analyse differences in MD patients who have undergone simultaneous or sequential labyrinthectomy or previous neurectomy.Methods: A retrospective analysis of a study group of 18 implanted patients with MD and a matched control group of 18 implanted patients without MD, who had CI at a tertiary referral center. Hearing and speech understanding were assessed via pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and disyllabic perception tests in quiet. QoL was assessed via the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12), and the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19). The impact of MD ablative surgeries was analyzed in the study group (MD group).Results: Mean pre-operative PTA thresholds were significantly lower in the MD group (103 vs. 121 dB). A significant improvement in hearing outcomes was observed following CI in both groups (p < 0.001), with a maximum Speech Discrimination Score of 64 and 65% disyllables at 65 dB for the MD and control group, respectively. Subjective outcomes, as measured by the NCIQ, GBI, SSQ12, and HISQUI19 did not significantly differ between groups. In the MD group, despite achieving similar hearing results, QoL outcomes were worse in patients who underwent simultaneous CI and labyrinthectomy compared to the rest of the MD group. Post-operative NCIQ results were significantly better in patients who had undergone a previous retrosigmoid neurectomy when compared to those who had undergone only CI surgery in the subdomains “basic sound perception” (p = 0.038), “speech” (p = 0.005), “activity” (p = 0.038), and “social interactions” (p = 0.038).Conclusion: Patients with MD and severe hearing loss obtain hearing results and QoL benefits similar to other CI candidates. Delayed CI after labyrinthectomy or vestibular neurectomy can be performed with similar or better results, respectively, to those of other cochlear implanted patients. Patients who undergo simultaneous CI and labyrinthectomy may achieve similar hearing results but careful pre-operative counseling is needed.

Cognitive Improvement After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults With Severe or Profound Hearing Impairment: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study.

Objective:To compare the cognitive evolution of older adults with severe or profound hearing impairment after cochlear implantation with that of a matched group of older adults with severe hearing impairment who do not receive a cochlear implant (CI).Design:In this prospective, longitudinal, controlled, and multicenter study, 24 older CI users were included in the intervention group and 24 adults without a CI in the control group. The control group matched the intervention group in terms of gender, age, formal education, cognitive functioning, and residual hearing. Assessments were made at baseline and 14 months later. Primary outcome measurements included the change in the total score on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing impaired individuals score and on its subdomain score to assess cognitive evolution in both groups. Secondary outcome measurements included self-reported changes in sound quality (Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index), self-perceived hearing disability (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale), states of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and level of negative affectivity and social inhibition (Type D questionnaire).Results:Improvements of the overall cognitive functioning (p = 0.05) and the subdomain “Attention” (p = 0.02) were observed after cochlear implantation in the intervention group; their scores were compared to the corresponding scores in the control group. Significant positive effects of cochlear implantation on sound quality and self-perceived hearing outcomes were found in the intervention group. Notably, 20% fewer traits of Type D personalities were measured in the intervention group after cochlear implantation. In the control group, traits of Type D personalities increased by 13%.Conclusion:Intervention with a CI improved cognitive functioning (domain Attention in particular) in older adults with severe hearing impairment compared to that of the matched controls with hearing impairment without a CI. However, older CI users did not, in terms of cognition, bridge the performance gap with adults with normal hearing after 1 year of CI use. The fact that experienced, older CI users still present subnormal cognitive functioning may highlight the need for additional cognitive rehabilitation in the long term after implantation.

Objective and subjective results of the Bonebridge transcutaneous active direct-drive bone conduction hearing implant.

Objectives:To investigate the effectiveness of a bone-anchored hearing implant system (Bonebridge implant technology) as a rehabilitation treatment for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing losses.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. Twelve implanted ears with conductive or mixed hearing losses were implanted with this device at a tertiary university hospital between 2012 and 2016. Audiological tests included pure tone air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) measurements and unaided and aided sound-field thresholds. To evaluate the speech intelligibility in a quiet environment, the speech discrimination score (SDS) was tested using Arabic monosyllabic words, and the speech reception threshold (SRT) was measured using Arabic disyllabic words spoken in front of them. The subjective sound quality was assessed with the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI).Results:In comparison with the unaided condition, there was a significant improvement in the aided thresholds, SDS, and SRT. Comparing the aided and unaided thresholds, the average AC threshold improved with an average functional gain of 40±6.3dB. The unaided SRT improved from 72.5 dB hearing levels (HL)(median) to 27.5 dB HL (median) when aided, and patients performed 71% better, on average, based on the SDS with the help of the device. The HISQUI questionnaire revealed high satisfaction with the device sound quality.Conclusion:Patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss substantially benefit from the Bonebridge active transcutaneous BC hearing implant.

Cochlear Implant Users with Otosclerosis: Are Hearing and Quality of Life Outcomes Worse than in Cochlear Implant Users without Otosclerosis?

Background: The otosclerotic process may influence the performance of the cochlear implant (CI). Difficulty in inserting the electrode array due to potential ossification of the cochlea, facial nerve stimulation, and instability of the results are potential challenges for the CI team. Objectives: To evaluate hearing results and subjective outcomes of CI users with otosclerosis and to compare them with those of CI users without otosclerosis. Method: Retrospective review of 239 adults with bilateral profound postlingual deafness who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation between 1992 and 2017. Hearing and speech understanding were assessed via pure-tone audiometry and speech perception tests. Subjective outcomes were assessed via the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI₁₉) at 6 months, 12 months, and at the last follow-up. Results: Subjects were 22 CI users with otosclerosis and 217 without otosclerosis. Both groups had a similar duration of deafness and age at CI implantation. Results did not significantly differ according to group: no significant intergroup difference was found regarding the frequency of complete electrode insertion, facial stimulation, reimplantation, or PTA4 scores at the last follow-up. Regarding speech perception, no significant intergroup difference was found on any test or at any interval. Further, subjective outcomes, as measured by the GBI, NCIQ, and HISQUI₁₉, did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusions: Adults with otosclerosis and profound hearing loss derive significant benefit from CI use. Audiological and self-reported outcomes are not significantly different from that of other CI users with postlingual deafness.

Subjektive Hörverbesserung durch Cochleaimplantatversorgung

During the past few decades various questionnaires have been developed to evaluate quality of life using audiological measures. The Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI) was developed especially for patients with acochlear implant (CI). The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective hearing improvement after CI surgery and to correlate the results with objective measuring methods such as pure-tone and speech audiometry. Pre- and postoperative data of 57patients who received a cochlear implant (CIs) were retrospectively analyzed. For evaluation of subjective hearing ability the HISQUI questionnaire consisting of 19questions was used as reference. Pure-tone audiometry and Freiburger monosyllable word tests were used as objective measurements for hearing. The mean HISQUI score increased on average from 53.0 prior to surgery to 69.0 after surgery. In addition, there were significant improvements in all seven subgroups of the questionnaire divisions. Acorrelation of rSp = 0.53 before surgery and rSp = 0.36 after surgery between the HISQUI scores and Freiburg monosyllable word test was recorded. In addition the 4FPTA (four frequency pure tone average) value correlated negatively with rSp = -0.48 with the HISQUI total score before surgery. The moderate correlation of both subjective and objective measurement methods underlines the importance of enquiring the patients' subjective perception and satisfaction. Through the combination of subjective statements and measurements of speech comprehension it is possible to obtain acomprehensive picture of the hearing performance of CI recipients.

Cross cultural translation and adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index Questionnaire - (HISQUI19).

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19), and characterization of the target population and auditory performance in Cochlear Implant (CI) users through the application of a synthesis version of this tool. Evaluations of conceptual, item, semantic and operational equivalences were performed. The synthesis version was applied as a pre-test to 33 individuals, whose final results characterized the final sample and performance of the questionnaire. The results were analyzed statistically. The final translation (FT) was back-translated and compared with the original version, revealing a minimum difference between items. The changes observed between the FT and the synthesis version were characterized by the application of simplified vocabulary used on a daily basis. For the pre-test, the average score of the interviewees was 90.2, and a high level of reliability was achieved (0.83). The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the HISQUI19 questionnaire showed suitability for conceptual, item, semantic and operational equivalences. For the sample characterization, the sound quality was classified as good with better performance for the categories of location and distinction of sound/voices.

Speech Perception and Subjective Preference with Fine Structure Coding Strategies

This study aimed to determine differences in speech perception and subjective preference after upgrade from the FSP coding strategy to the FS4 or FS4p coding strategies. Subjects were tested at the point of upgrade (n=10), and again at 1-(n=10), 3-(n=8), 6-(n=8) and 12 months (n=8) after the upgrade to the FS4 or FS4p coding strategy. In between test intervals patients had to use the FS4 or FS4p strategy in everyday life. Primary outcome measures, chosen to best evaluate individual speech understanding, were the Freiburg Monosyllable Test in quiet, the Oldenburg Sentence Test (OLSA) in noise, and the Hochmair-Schulz-Moser (HSM) Sentence Test in noise. To measure subjective sound quality the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index was used. Subjects with the FS4/FS4p strategy performed as well as subjects with the FSP coding strategy in the speech tests. The subjective perception of subjects showed that subjects perceived a ‘moderate’ or ‘poor’ auditory benefit with the FS4/FS4p coding strategy. Subjects with the FS4 or FS4p coding strategies perform well in everyday situations. Both coding strategies offer another tool to individualize the fitting of audio processors and grant access to satisfying sound quality and speech perception.

Validation of the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19) to assess Spanish-speaking cochlear implant users’ auditory abilities in everyday communication situations

Conclusion: The Spanish-language HISQUI19 is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that cochlear implant (CI) users experience in everyday listening situations. Objectives: To validate the Spanish-language version of The Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19), a questionnaire for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that CI users experience in everyday listening situations. Methods: Adult Spanish-speaking subjects with a CI were asked to complete a Spanish-language version of the HISQUI19. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s α coefficient; exploratory factor analyses with a rotated (varimax) factor solution was applied to check construct validity; external validity was confirmed using Pearson’s correlation. Test–re-test analysis was also performed. The MED-EL Assessment Database was used to assist in the administration, reporting, and data collection. Results: Sixty-six of 77 subjects completed and returned the HISQUI19. The mean score auditory ability score (mean ± standard deviation) of the HISQUI19 was 79.9 ± 24.0, a ‘moderate’ auditory benefit. An inverse relationship was found between the HISQUI19 score and age at implantation. Gender and side of implantation did not influence self-perceived functioning. The objective measures (disyllables tested without lip-reading and in quiet) were correlated with the Total Score.

Which ear should we choose for cochlear implantation in the elderly: The poorer or the better? Audiometric outcomes, quality of sound, and quality-of-life results

Conclusions: Cochlear implantation in the poorer ear of an elderly patient does not predict poorer post-operative audiological, quality-of-life (QoL), and quality of sound results. Objectives: To determine whether choosing the ‘better’ or the ‘poorer’ ear for cochlear implantation impacts performance outcome in an elderly population. Methods: Forty-two out of 73 elderly (≥ 60 years) cochlear implant users with some residual hearing in at least one ear were selected. Three criteria were used to group the patients as ‘better’ or ‘poorer’ ear implanted; (C1) based on previous use of hearing aid, (C2) pre-operative PTA, and (C3) pre-operative speech discrimination. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI) were used to measure QoL and quality of sound, respectively. Results: The mean post-operative PTA was 38.7 ± 7.2 dBHL. In quiet, the mean disyllabic SDS at 65dBSPL was 75.4 ± 18.5, whereas the discrimination of sentences was 95.0% ± 6.9. The mean total GBI score was 30.9 ± 21.8, 92.9% of patients reporting a positive score. The mean HISQUI score was 111.3 ± 36.0, which corresponds to ‘moderate’ sound quality. No significant differences were found between both groups in terms of audiological outcomes, HISQUI scores or GBI scores when considering each of the three criteria.

Sound quality in adult cochlear implant recipients using the HISQUI19

Conclusion: On average, adult CI recipients report a moderate sound quality using the Dutch version of the HISQUI19 questionnaire. These results are correlated with their age, speech perception scores, CI aided hearing thresholds, and the SSQ5 and the APHAB questionnaire. Background: The general aim of the study was to assess sound quality in adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients and to link these findings to other patients reported outcome measures (PROM) and subject characteristics. Therefore, the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19), which was translated into Dutch, was used. This user-friendly instrument quantifies sound quality experienced by hearing implant users. Methods: The Dutch version of the original German HISQUI19 was obtained by the process of translation and back-translation. The HISQUI19 was assessed in 65 experienced adult CI users at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department of the Antwerp University Hospital to assess a sound quality profile of experiences adult CI recipients. Therefore, descriptive statistics were used to summarize the mean, standard deviation, and ceiling or floor effects of the total HISQUI19 scores in a CI population. Spearman correlations between the HISQUI19 scores and objective audiological measures and other PROM were investigated (APHAB and SSQ5 questionnaire). Results: The mean HISQUI19 score of the Dutch version in adult CI recipients was 64.9 (SD = 20.8), which corresponds to moderate sound quality. The psychometric characters of the Dutch questionnaire are similar to the characters of the original HISQUI19 questionnaire, emphasizing good internal consistency (α = 0.93) and construct validity. Moderate correlation was found with speech perception in quiet (r = 0.36, p < 0.01), speech perception in noise (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), CI aided Pure Tone Average (PTA0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) of the subjects (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), and the age of the subject (r = 0.38, p < 0.01). Gender did not influence the experienced sound quality significantly. Furthermore, the relation to other questionnaires was found to be significantly strong (SSQ5: r = 0.68 and the APHAB: r = 0.64; p < 0.01).

Music therapy as specific and complementary training for adults after cochlear implantation: A pilot study

ObjectivesAlthough cochlear implant (CI) users achieve good speech comprehension, they experience difficulty perceiving music and prosody in speech. As the provision of music training in rehabilitation is limited, a novel concept of music therapy for rehabilitation of adult CI users was developed and evaluated in this pilot study.MethodsTwelve unilaterally implanted, postlingually deafened CI users attended ten sessions of individualized and standardized training. The training started about 6 weeks after the initial activation of the speech processor. Before and after therapy, psychological and musical tests were applied in order to evaluate the effects of music therapy. CI users completed the musical tests in two conditions: bilateral (CI + contralateral, unimplanted ear) and unilateral (CI only).ResultsAfter therapy, improvements were observed in the subjective sound quality (Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index) and the global score on the self-concept questionnaire (Multidimensional Self-Concept Scales) as well as in the musical subtests for melody recognition and for timbre identification in the unilateral condition.DiscussionPreliminary results suggest improvements in subjective hearing and music perception, with an additional increase in global self-concept and enhanced daily listening capacities.ConclusionsThe novel concept of individualized music therapy seems to provide an effective treatment option in the rehabilitation of adult CI users. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate effects in the area of prosody perception and to separate therapy effects from general learning effects in CI rehabilitation.

The role of a new contralateral routing of signal microphone in established unilateral cochlear implant recipients.

To investigate whether a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) microphone combined with a unilateral cochlear implant (CI) results in hearing improvement after a prolonged trial period. A prospective experimental trial was undertaken on a group of 10 postlingually deafened adults who are experienced CI users. Participants completed audiometric testing and validated questionnaires with their unilateral CI alone, followed by addition of a CROS microphone (CI-CROS). This was worn daily for the 2-week trial, after which hearing performance was reevaluated using the same measures. Objective tests included AzBio sentences in quiet and noise and consonant-vowel nucleus-consonant (CNC) words. Subjective measures included the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB); Speech, Spatial, Qualities of Hearing Index (SSQ); Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index; an institutional questionnaire; and a daily log sheet. There is statistically significant enhanced speech discrimination with the CI-CROS when speech is presented on the CROS side. However, scores are markedly diminished when background noise is introduced, particularly to the CROS side. Subjective results indicate lower satisfaction scores for the global and ease of communication subdomains of the APHAB with the CI-CROS, but increased scores on the spatial hearing subdomain of the SSQ (P < 0.05). The CI-CROS provides significant benefit in certain situations, particularly speech recognition in quiet. CI-CROS performance with background noise is poor, leading to low satisfaction scores. Further refinement of the device may yield a useful tool for unilateral CI users in the future.

Development and validation of a questionnaire for hearing implant users to self-assess their auditory abilities in everyday communication situations: the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19)

Conclusions: The Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19) seems to be a valid tool for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that cochlear implant (CI) users experience in everyday listening situations. Additional research is, however, required. Objectives: To develop and validate a user-friendly instrument for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that CI users experience in everyday listening situations. Methods: This was an explorative, uncontrolled, single-group, cross-sectional study. Items for the HISQUI19 were decided upon using user input and verified by professionals. The HISQUI19 was assessed on 75 CI users from hearing implant centres in Germany and Austria to determine the questions. Results: The HISQUI19, consisting of 19 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale, was validated. Subjects older than 60 years at time of implantation did not have significantly higher mean values than subjects younger than 60 years. Gender and whether subjects are unilateral or bilateral implant CI users did not influence self-perceived functioning. Subjects with ≤20 years of hearing loss reported no significantly higher functioning than those with >20 years of hearing loss.