Evidence-based study on performance environment for people with and without cochlear implants (CI)

Abstract

<p>The primary scope of this study is in finding purely acoustical ways of supporting the performers. Field<br />tests with musicians have showed that support is often welcomed even with normal hearing performers<br />[1]. This study replicates those tests with hearing and sight-impaired people. When performing with a<br />microphone and a PA system, the monitor loudspeaker has been found as an important asset.<br />During music-making, the limitations in auditory feedback require some extra effort from the performer,<br />e.g. position in the room to get a satisfactory soundscape. This is especially poignant and observable with<br />Cochlear Implant users [2]. Contemporary CIs have improved speech perception abilities, but they are<br />still challenged with music perception. In a CI, the frequency range and spectral resolution of normal<br />hearing is substituted with 14 -24 channels. One CI user has found that a felt-brimmed hat enables him to<br />perceive his own voice clearer. The hat acts primarily as an extension of outer ear by giving more<br />selectivity: attenuation to unwanted environmental sounds and enhanced perception of own voice. The<br />concept of signal-to-noise ratio must in these cases be extended to S/M/N-ratio, including the Monitoring<br />of own sound.<br />Methods of the study include tests in an anechoic chamber with and without added early reflection<br />(20-80ms) employing quantitative measurements of musical synchronization (pitch and attack) in<br />simulated ensemble situations.<br /></p>