Effectiveness of The ForwardFocus Feature in Cochlear Implant Patients in Noisy Environments

: Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the ForwardFocus (FF) feature in cochlear implant (CI) users by evaluating its impact on speech comprehension in noisy environments, potentially improving communication outcomes for individuals with hearing loss. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 48 CI users from an audiology clinic over a seven-month period, between July 2023 and February 2024. Native Arabic speakers, using either N7 or Kanso2 external processors with the FF feature were recruited. Surveys were distributed electronically, and a series of clinical tests were conducted. Results: The impact of FF on speech perception and user experience in CI users were evaluated. FF significantly improved speech perception in noise (p < 0.001), with users reporting high satisfaction (54.3% very satisfied, 26.1% satisfied) and intention to continue using FF (97.8%). Most participants used FF 1-2 times a week (56.5%), with 17% using it daily. Most found its noise reduction to be adequate (82.6%). These findings suggest that FF effectively enhances speech understanding and is well-received by CI users. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant positive impact of FF on speech perception and user experience in CI patients. FF improved speech perception in noisy environments, with users expressing high satisfaction and intention to continue using it. These results underscore FF's importance in enhancing communication and quality of life for CI users. Further research and advancements can lead to continued improvements in CI technology and outcomes for individuals with hearing loss.