Cochlear implants are devices placed in the inner ear through surgery to help people with severe to profound hearing loss. While these devices work well overall, results vary widely from person to person. Many people with cochlear implants still have trouble understanding speech in noisy places and enjoying music.
This study looks at whether customizing the way a cochlear implant is programmed, based on the health of the hearing nerve in different areas of the ear, can help people understand speech better in noisy settings. The researchers will adjust or turn off certain electrodes in areas where the nerve appears weaker, then test whether this improves hearing compared to each person's everyday program. They will also examine whether giving people time to get used to the new program leads to better results.
Age 18 - 80 years old
Native speakers of American English or Multilingual
Wears a cochlear implant manufactured by Advanced Bionics (Clarion Hi-Focus I or newer)
At least 6 months of listening experience with their cochlear implant, but could be recruited and consented prior.
Inability to provide informed consent
Lost their hearing prior to the age of language acquisition (3-4 years) but did not receive a cochlear implant until adulthood
Do not have age-appropriate speech perception testing from clinical visits or do not use their implant for oral communication
Have neurological disease