Two New Directions in Speech Processor Design for Cochlear Implants

In Brief Two new approaches to the design of speech processors for cochlear implants are described. The first aims to represent “fine structure” or “fine frequency” information in a way that it can be perceived and used by patients, and the second aims to provide a closer mimicking than was previously possible of the signal processing that occurs in the normal cochlea. This paper describes two new directions in the design of speech processors for cochlear prostheses: (1) representing “fine structure” or “fine frequency” information in a way that it can be perceived and utilized by patients and (2) providing a closer mimicking than was previously possible of the signal processing that occurs in the normal cochlea. Each of these directions has the potential for improving the performance of cochlear implant systems, especially for speech reception in noise. Additionally, a useful representation of fine-frequency information may be the key for restoring music reception beyond gross features, and for a renewed enjoyment of music, with implants. Design considerations are presented for each of the directions, and initial results from studies with “closer mimicking” processors are mentioned.