Results after speech processor replacement in patients with cochlear implants

Introduction Patients who have received a cochlear implant should have a new speech processor fitted every 6 years. The aim of this analysis is to determine the subjective and audiological benefits of the speech processor replacement.

Materials and methods Speech recognition and subjective benefit were analyzed in 44 patients with their old as well as a new speech processor after a 4-week wearing period. Speech recognition was determined using the Freiburg monosyllabic test in quiet (FBE) at 65 dB as well as 80 dB and the Oldenburg Sentence Test (OLSA) at 65 dB noise and adaptive speech sound level. The "Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit" (APHAB) and the "Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire" (APSQ) were used to determine the subjective benefit.

Results There was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in speech recognition with the new speech processor compared to the old one in the FBE at 65 dB (32.5 ± 27.5 %  vs. 38.4 ± 26.1 % ) and 80 dB (46.3 ± 30.4 %  vs. 54.6 ± 31.0 % ) as well as in the OLSA. Significantly better scores were also achieved in the APHAB and APSQ after replacement. The APSQ score and FBE correlate significantly.

Conclusion There is a significant improvement in audiologically measurable and subjectively reflected speech comprehension, participation in public and social life, as well as the use and handling with the new processor. In patients with only slight improvement in audiologically measurable speech comprehension, the subjective benefit should also be assessed with validated measuring instruments.

Poster-PDF A-1300.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021