Influence of Implantable Hearing Aids and Neuroprosthesison Music Perception

Abstract

The identification and discrimination of timbre are essential features of music perception. One dominating parameter within the multidimensional timbre space is the spectral shape of complex sounds. As hearing loss interferes with the perception and enjoyment of music, we approach the individual timbre discrimination skills in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss using a cochlear implant (CI) and normal hearing individuals using a bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha). With a recent developed behavioral test relying on synthetically sounds forming a spectral continuum, the timbre difference was changed adaptively to measure the individual just noticeable difference (JND) in a forced-choice paradigm. To explore the differences in timbre perception abilities caused by the hearing mode, the sound stimuli were varied in their fundamental frequency, thus generating different spectra which are not completely covered by a CI or Baha system. The resulting JNDs demonstrate differences in timbre perception between normal hearing individuals, Baha users, and CI users. Beside the physiological reasons, also technical limitations appear as the main contributing factors.

Music Appreciation after Cochlear Implantation in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review

“…While not specifically evaluating pitch perception, Rahne et al 20 looked at altering the spectral content of music—in this case, the fundamental frequency—with the intent of determining CI users’ ability to discriminate timbre. The just noticeable difference in timbre was different among those with normal hearing, users of bone‐anchored hearing aids, and CI users.…”

“…While not specifically evaluating pitch perception, Rahne et al 20 looked at altering the spectral content of music-in this case, the fundamental frequency-with the intent of determining CI users' ability to discriminate timbre. The just noticeable a NICE checklist for quality assessment of cohort and cross-sectional studies: (1) ''Was the research question or objective in this paper clearly stated?''…”

Music Perception in Bone‐Anchored Hearing Implant Users

“…18 Thirdly, the crest factor, defined as the difference between the RMS amplitude of the sound signal and the instantaneous peak of the signal, is higher (16-18 dB) in music than speech ($12 dB) due to dampening of the human vocal tract that does not exist in musical instruments. 8 Musical sound intensity is substantially higher than speech, and this could affect music perception if BAHIs are designed to optimize speech perception. BAHI devices also exhibit several technical limitations that could affect music perception.…”

“…Rahne et al studied timbre discrimination in 12 NH subjects with and without a Cochlear Baha Intenso softband. 8 Five different stimuli with fundamental frequencies (f 0 ) of 65.5, 131, 262, 524, or 1048 Hz were developed for a 3-alternative forced choice timbre discrimination task and to calculate the spectral shape just noticeable difference (JND). There was no difference in JND performance with versus without a Baha softband, except for stimuli at f 0 = 65.5 Hz or f 0 = 1048 Hz.…”

“…This frequency range favors speech stimuli over musical stimuli, which could limit pitch resolution or timbre discrimination. Rahne et al studied timbre discrimination in 12 NH subjects with and without a Cochlear Baha Intenso softband 8 . Five different stimuli with fundamental frequencies ( f 0 ) of 65.5, 131, 262, 524, or 1048 Hz were developed for a 3‐alternative forced choice timbre discrimination task and to calculate the spectral shape just noticeable difference (JND).…”