Listening in noise with bilateral AB processors
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation methods for Omni-directional microphones, the UltraZoom and StereoZoom beamforms in users of the Advanced Bionics' Naida CI Q90 cochlear implant sound processor
IRAS ID
170828
Contact name
Helen Cullington
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Advanced Bionics AG
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
The study is concerned with StereoZoom, a software algorithm called a beamformer. Such algorithms aim to reduce noise reaching a cochlear implant (CI) user from the side or behind, so that speech coming from the front will be easier to understand. Similar algorithms have been shown to be beneficial to users of acoustic hearing aids and the goal here is to determine whether they also bring benefit to CI users. StereoZoom requires bilaterally implanted recipients of the Advanced Bionics' CI system. Given the rarity of bilateral implantation in UK adults, the study will involve both adults and children over 10 years of age. Testing will be carried out in a standard test booth at the University of Southampton. An arrangement of 10 loudspeakers will deliver test material and competing noise with which to test StereoZoom. Comparisons will be made between, StereoZoom, UltraZoom (a beamformer that works for those either unilaterally or bilaterally implanted) and a simple microphone that is not particularly directional. As much as testing StereoZoom, the study will evaluate the test method. The intent is to confirm that test results obtained in a clinical setting can predict the benefits that users of StereoZoom may obtain in real-life listening situations. Around 30 minutes of testing will be required. Participants will listen to simple speech phrases at moderate listening levels. The task will be to repeat back a colour and a number. An adaptive test will be used so that more and more noise is added until the point where typically 50% of the participant's responses are correct. A brief experience with StereoZoom will be provided while the participant goes for a break or lunch. The testing is acute and participants will NOT be allowed to take StereoZoom away for home use.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
15/NS/0088
Date of REC Opinion
28 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion