PDA project

Analysis and development of signal processing strategies for cochlear prosthesis

•  Analysis and evaluation of parameters used in the CIS strategy

The CIS strategy is available in all three commercial processors - Med-El, Clarion and Nucleus24-  and can be fitted by audiologists using several parameters such as pulse rate, pulse width, etc. By varying these parameters one can optimize individual subject's performance. Our research has focussed on identifying the parameters which affect speech performance the most. The results of our research showed, in agreement with similar studies conducted at Research Triangle Institute, that the stimulation rate had a significant effect in performance. Higher stimulation rates (2100 pulses/sec) provided a significantly better performance on word recognition than lower rates ( < 800 pulses/sec) of stimulation. [Article:  J. Acoust. Soc. Amer. 108(2), 790-802]
 
•  Comparison of speech processing strategies available in the Clarion implant processor

In an ongoing study, we evaluate the performance of several speech processing strategies available in the Clarion implant processor. In particular, we will evaluate the performance of SAS, CIS, PPS, QPS and the hybrid strategies.
 
• Development of  new speech processing techniques for cochlear implants

Acoustic simulations of cochlear implants

Development of signal processing strategies for noisy environments

Speech perception by cochlear implant patients

Understanding how implant patients process speech given the limited spectral/temporal information they receive, can help us design better speech processing strategies. This work is done in collaboration with Prof. M. Dorman from Arizona State University.