The influence of signal preprocessing on hearing of CI users in noise with OTE processors

Introduction Of-the-ear processors (OTE processors), which combine the complete technology of the CI speech processor including the transmitter coil, power supply and processor core in one housing, are becoming increasingly popular. When deciding on such a system, the focus is often on wearing comfort. The Rondo3, the latest representative of the OTE processors from MEDEL, has signal pre-processing for the first time, which uses directional microphone technology, among other things. The influence of the different microphone positions compared to a classic behind-the-ear processor (HDO processor) is difficult to estimate. Therefore, a clinical study was initiated to evaluate the automatic signal pre-processing of the Rondo3 in comparison to previous versions and in comparison to the Sonnet2 (HDO processor with similar signal pre-processing) when listening in noise.

Methodology A group of 20 Rondo3 users with at least 3 months of CI use will be included in the study. The subjects go through speech intelligibility tests in background noise with the Rondo3 and the Sonnet2 with automatic signal pre-processing (setting: "mild"). In addition, with the Rondo3 and the setting with deactivated noise filters and omnidirectional microphone characteristics. The Oldenburg sentence test in noise is used as test material. The tests are presented in a multi-speaker setup, in which the background noise is presented from +90° and -90° and the speech signal from the azimuthal direction.

Results So far, 5 subjects have been included in the study. The first results of the speech intelligibility tests are presented, as well as supplementary questionnaires for listening in everyday life with the Rondo3 speech processor.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023