Introduction:
With the direct fitting of the speech processor about 2 days after the cochlear implantation
exists the opportunity to get used to the new hearing and speech perception until
the patients undergo their regular rehabilitation after 5 weeks at the hospital. Therefore,
we have examined how the habituation related to technology handling and speech perception
as well as speech understanding has developed in these patients.
Methods:
Based on a questionnaire n = 53 patients were interviewed about their direct postoperative
fitting. Speech test results (Freiburger numbers and monosyllabic words, HSM-sentences
test in quiet and in noise 10dB SNR) were obtained on day 1 before and on day 5 after
the regular fitting. The results are set in relation to the case history data, daily
cochlear implant use and technical adjustment data.
Results:
Patients get along well with the handling of the technique after direct fitting. Speech
perception is subjectively assessed as sufficient. The comparison of average speech
understanding from day 1 before and day 5 after the rehabilitation shows highly significant
improvement among monosyllables from 16% to 35% and among sentence test in noise from
5% to 15%.
Conclusion:
Objectively, many patients have already developed a good speech understanding after
first fitting and habituation, but they do not assess this subjectively. An increase
in speech understanding is achieved with targeted adjustment, hearing training and
counseling. The direct fitting of the cochlear implant supports the habituation, professional
postoperative care is still necessary.
