Meludia platform as a tool to evaluate music perception in pediatric and adult cochlear implant users

Abstract

Purpose Music perception is one of the greatest challenges for cochlear implant (CI) users. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the music perception of CI users using the online Meludia music training program as music testing platform, (ii) to compare performance among three age groups, and (iii) to compare CI users with their normal hearing (NH) peers. Methods 138 individuals participated, divided between children (6–10 y), adolescents (11–16 y), and adults (≥ 17 y). Five music perception tasks were evaluated: Rhythm, Spatialization, Stable/unstable, Melody, and Density. We also administered the music related quality of life (MuRQoL) questionnaire for adults, and a music questionnaire for pediatric population (6–16 y) (MuQPP). Results A significantly higher percentage of the adolescent CI users completed the five tasks compared to the other age groups. Both pediatric and adolescent CI users had similar performance to their NH peers in most categories. On the MuRQoL, adult NH listeners reported more music exposure than CI users (3.8 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.6, p < 0.01), but both groups reported similar levels of perceived music importance (3.4 ± 0.7 vs 3.2 ± 1.1, p = 0.340). On the MuQPP, pediatric CI users who scored highly on music perception also had higher reported questionnaire scores (54.2 ± 12.9 vs 40.9 ± 12.1, p = 0.009). Conclusions Meludia can be used to evaluate music perception and to use for music training in CI users of all ages. Adolescents had the highest performance in most musical tasks. Pediatric CI users were more similar to their NH peers. The importance of music in adult CI users was comparable to their NH peers.

Objective and Subjective Assessment of Music Perception and Musical Experiences in Young Cochlear Implant Users

“…CI users had song identification (vocal music) rates of over 90%. High levels of musical skill among young CI users were also observed in a recent publication, where users showed similar abilities to their NH peers in most of the evaluation categories of the online musical training platform Meludia [20].…”

Can Music Enhance Working Memory and Speech in Noise Perception in Cochlear Implant Users? Design Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Behavioral and Electrophysiological Study

“…While these training programs range from six-week short-term auditory melodic training [ 8 ] to systematic active listening programs [ 12 ], and the use of online training resources [ 13 ], no systematic music rehabilitation strategy has been established. Additionally, Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), such as the Music-Related Quality of Life questionnaire [ 14 ], were utilized to evaluate individual music experiences across various real-life situations among different subgroups of CI patients [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. While diverse music rehabilitation needs were identified, clear indications were not discernible to support the development of music rehabilitation programs for CI users [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”