Introduction:
A numerous of factors are influencing the listening experience of cochlear implant
users. Speech intelligibility, acoustic quality or audibility is considerably influenced
by room acoustics. For CI users, complex listening environments are usually associated
with heavily losses. The aim of the present study is to determine room acoustic criteria
that particularly influence audibility and speech intelligibility for CI patients.
Methods:
Therefore, speech material of the Oldenburg Sentence Test (OLSA) as well as basic
music material were auralized using the software Auratorium. For the test set up on
one hand constructed rooms for speech stimuli (based on the standard DIN 18041:2016
– 03 about acoustic quality in small and medium size rooms, including specifications
for inclusive applications in schools) were used and on the other hand typical concert
halls of different sizes were modelled. The auralized test stimuli were unilaterally
presented to 10 CI users via their auxiliary input of the speech processor. Acoustic
quality was evaluated by using modified MUSHRA-tests, and a discrimination test consisting
of paired comparison and multiple choice tasks.
Results:
A strong preference of small source to listener distances by CI users was found, but
no significant preference of room acoustic attenuation exceeding the recommendation
for inclusive applications in schools. Music materials were distinguished more consistently
without any room acoustic impact.
Conclusions:
These obtained findings shall help to judge and improve the influence of room acoustic
parameters on the quality of hearing for CI users.
