Comparison of the TEMPO+ Ear-Level Speech Processor and the CIS PRO+ Body-Worn Processor in Adult MED-EL Cochlear Implant Users

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the new MED-EL TEMPO+ ear-level speech processor with the CIS PRO+ body-worn processor in the COMBI 40/COMBI 40+ implant system. Speech tests were performed in 46 experienced subjects in two test sessions approximately 4 weeks apart. Subjects were switched over from the CIS PRO+ to the TEMPO+ in the first session and used only the TEMPO+ in the time between the two sessions. Speech tests included monosyllabic word tests and sentence tests via the telephone. An adaptive noise method was used to adjust each subject’s scores to approximately 50%. Additionally, subjects had to complete a questionnaire based on their 4 weeks of experience with the TEMPO+. The speech test results showed a statistically significant improvement in the monosyllabic word scores with the TEMPO+. In addition, in the second session, subjects showed a significant improvement when using the telephone with the TEMPO+, indicating some learning in this task. In the questionnaire, the vast majority of subjects found that the TEMPO+ allows equal or better speech understanding and rated the sound quality of the TEMPO+ higher. All these objective and subjective results indicate the superiority of the TEMPO+ and are mainly attributed to a new coding strategy called CIS+ and its implementation in the TEMPO+. In other words, based on the results of this study, it appears that after switching over from the CIS PRO+ to the TEMPO+, subjects are able to maintain or even improve their own speech understanding capability.

Fine Structure Processing improves speech perception as well as objective and subjective benefits in pediatric MED-EL COMBI 40+ users

“…CIS+ is a further development of the CIS strategy [1] and is described in detail by Helms et al [2]. The main difference between CIS [1] and CIS+ is that CIS+ uses the Hilbert transform for envelope detection whereas CIS uses the classical concept of rectifying and low-pass filtering.…”

Improvements in Speech Perception after the Upgrade from the TEMPO+ to the OPUS 2 Audio Processor

“…A further development of the CIS strategy, called CIS+, uses the Hilbert transform [3] for envelope extraction allowing a more accurate determination of the signal envelope and thus further improving speech perception [4] .…”

“…Its envelope-based coding strategy showed improved speech understanding and its upward extension of the analysed frequency range to 10,000 Hz allowed better consonant understanding in quiet and in noise [4] .…”

Opinions on Cochlear Implant Use in Senior MED-EL Patients

“…The CIS+ uses the Hilbert Transform for envelope extraction and there is upward extension of the analyzed frequency range. These factors have been shown to improve speech understanding [12] . This difference is clearly reflected here, where users of the TEMPO+ report better distinction between human voices and ambient sounds, better understanding without lip-reading, better listening abilities on the telephone and greater general satisfaction with the implant (would have a CI again, would recommend a CI to a friend).…”