Current speech perception benefits for adults using the speak strategy with the nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant

Abstract

Present day recipients of the Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant make use of the SPEAK speech processing strategy in the Spectra 22 speech processor. Introduced in 1994, the SPEAK strategy is based upon research conducted at the University of Melbourne and the Bionic Ear Institute. This paper compares the pre-and post-operative speech perception abilities of adults who have used the SPEAK speech processing strategy since the 'start-up' of their cochlear implant system. Data was analysed from open-set sentence and word tests administered pre-operatively and at regular intervals postoperatively. Patients showed significant improvement in their ability to recognise speech, when listening with the cochlear implant without lipreading, within the first two weeks. Mean scores for open-set sentences were 15% preoperatively and 64% two weeks after initial programming.