Bimodal studies using adaptive dynamic range optimization (ADRO) technology

• Published in: International journal of audiology 2008-06, Vol.47 (6), p.311-318
• Main Authors: Iwaki, Takako, Blamey, Peter, Kubo, Takeshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ADRO; Adult; Aged; Audiometry, Speech; Bimodal; Cochlear implant; Cochlear Implantation - instrumentation; Cochlear Implants; Deafness - diagnosis; Deafness - therapy; Equipment Design; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HAMOC; Hearing aid; Humans; Japanese hearing in noise test; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Sound Localization; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1499-2027; 1708-8186
• DOI: 10.1080/14992020802130848

This study investigated the effects of adaptive dynamic range optimization (ADRO®) processing for six bimodal listeners who used a hearing aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other. 'Bimodal' refers to the use of acoustic and electrical stimulation together. Bimodal speech recognition thresholds with the Japanese hearing in noise test were significantly lower for two ADRO devices than two non-ADRO devices in quiet, in noise from the front, and in noise from the implanted side. When the noise was presented from the non-implanted side there was no significant difference between the ADRO and non-ADRO conditions. The hearing aid measure of contrast questionnaire indicated that participants preferred ADRO in 77.3% of situations. ADRO was especially preferred in more difficult situations. The ADRO processing was designed for use in bimodal prostheses, and this study confirmed that speech intelligibility and sound quality improvements are obtainable by using ADRO in a bimodal context.