Transient Noise Reduction in Cochlear Implant Users: a Multi Band Approach
A previously tested transient noise reduction (TNR) algorithm for cochlear implant (CI) users was modified to detect and attenuate transients independently across multiple frequency bands. Since speech and transient noise are often spectrally distinct, we hypothesized that benefits in speech intelligibility can be achieved over the earlier single band design. Fifteen experienced CI users (49 to 72 years) were tested unilaterally using pre processed stimuli delivered directly to a speech processor. Speech intelligibility in transient and soft stationary noise, subjective sound quality and the recognition of warning signals was investigated in three processing conditions: no TNR (TNRoff) single band TNR (TNRsgl) and multi band TNR (TNRmult) Notably, TNRmult improved speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in cafeteria noise and office noise by up to 3 dB over both TNRoff and TNRsgl, and yielded higher comfort and clarity ratings in cafeteria noise. Our results indicate that multi band transient noise reduction may be advantageous compared to a single band approach, and reveal a substantial overall potential for TNR to improve speech perception and listening comfort in CI users.
Audiology research