In this study, investigators will examine how temporal rate processing might be affected when the width of neural excitation narrows. The manipulation of neural excitation width will be achieved for example by changing electrode configurations or stimulating single versus multiple electrodes simultaneously. Investigators will then measure if the extent to which rate processing is affected by spatially restricted stimulation can predict a subject's overall speech recognition and predict also whether the subject is likely to benefit from a focused electrode configuration. Lastly, investigators will introduce and test a novel current focusing strategy where current focusing is applied in a channel specific manner and quantify if this intervention improves speech recognition. The primary endpoint of the study is speech recognition, and the secondary endpoint is psychophysical sensitivity to stimulation rate change.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
53
Electrodes will be chosen based on their spatial tuning curves. Focused stimulation will be applied to electrodes with good temporal processing acuity.
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, ECU
Greenville, North Carolina, United States
Sensitivity to stimulation rate change at threshold
Subjects' psychophysical detection thresholds will be measured as a function of the rate of stimulation delivered to selected electrodes and selected electrode configuration
Time frame: starting 6 months post award notice and will take up to 4 years to complete
Discrimination of stimulation rate
subjects' ability to discriminate stimulation rates will be measured as a function of base stimulation rates at selected electrodes and selected electrode configuration.
Time frame: starting 6 months post award notice and will take up to 4 years to complete
Speech recognition
Speech recognition in quiet and in noise will be measured under three conditions: 1. the traditional monopolar electrode configuration; 2. using current focusing on electrodes that show good sensitivity to rate change; 3. using current focusing on all electrodes.
Time frame: starting 6 months post award notice and will take up to 4 years to complete
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