Music perception in cochlear implant recipients: comparison of findings between HiRes90 and HiRes120

Conclusions. Increased spectral resolution via implementation of perceptual channels with HiRes120 (PSP) would seem to provide better perception of music than with standard HiRes, mainly from the point of view of music appreciation as recorded via the questionnaire. More specific tests are required for appreciation of timbre, preferably by application of protocols based on perceptual attributes using rating scales, which would not be biased by knowledge of music. Objective. The objective of this study was to verify the hypothesis whereby the implementation of perceptual channels in HiRes120 may lead to an improvement in the perception of music, owing to an increase in spectral resolution. Subjects and methods. Music perception was studied in 12 adult subjects, making a comparison between performance with HiRes90 and HiRes120 with perceptual channels. Quality of perception, loudness and rhythm were all assessed via a questionnaire. Further tests included timbre recognition trials and pitch ranking. Results. Whereas there was a significant improvement in appreciation of music as seen by the questionnaire, timbre and pitch trials seemed to be biased by various subjective factors and require further study using different criteria.