Objectives:
Understanding speech in a noisy environment and localizing sounds are still difficult situations for cochlear implant (CI) users. Studies with adult CI users show a benefit from using directional microphones, at least in terms of speech perception in noise. The speech processor SONNET from the manufacturer MED-EL has two microphones which can be used in different microphone modes. The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of a directional, pinna effect imitating, microphone mode in pediatric CI users.
Methods:
Speech perception in four noise conditions and, additionally, localization abilities were investigated in 15 bilaterally implanted children. For speech perception in noise, sentences from the Oldenburg Sentence Test (OLSA) were presented from the front, with varying noise sources coming from the front (S0N0), from the left or the right side (S0N±90) or from the back (S0N180). Individual speech-reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured in dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). The ERKI (“Erfassung des Richtungshörens bei Kindern”) was used to evaluate localization abilities. The root-mean square (RMS) error was calculated. The RMS shows the deviation between an indicated sound source (response) and its actual source (stimulus). Both tests were performed with the omnidirectional and the directional microphone mode. To get used to the different modes, children used the respective microphone setting for two weeks each.
Results:
Speech perception in noise improved in all four noise conditions with the directional microphone mode compared to the omnidirectional mode. Localization abilities also improved. The RMS error was smaller when children listened in the directional mode compared to the omnidirectional mode.
Conclusions:
Results showed that bilaterally implanted children benefitted from the directional, pinna effect imitating, microphone mode in noisy environments and showed a positive impact on localization abilities. Based on the results, it can be recommended to use the directional mode as a default setting in, at least, bilaterally implanted children.

Speech perception in noise and sound localization using different microphone modes in pediatric bilateral cochlear implant users

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm, that on behalf of the Cochlear Implant centers of the Radboud UMC in Nijmegen and Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam to invite you to attend the 16th European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation to Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2023.

Yours sincerely, on behalf of the CI Centers at Radboud UMC and Erasmus MC,