Better diagnostics for enhanced hearing with cochlear implants

The cochlear implant, a prevalent auditory implant treating hearing loss, plays a pivotal role in providing approximately 50,000 individuals in Germany access to the world of hearing. However, the effectiveness of CI varies widely among users, with some grasping speech shortly after implantation and others requiring years of adaptation. The research team, led by Prof. Georg Berding, is focused on discerning the precise mechanisms behind this variation in adaptation.

A critical measure of CI success is the ability to comprehend speech, particularly in challenging acoustic scenarios. Factors like background noise and disruptive elements significantly impact the quality of care. The research project compares speech processing among CI users with varying levels of comprehension. Prof. Berding, project leader, emphasizes: "In our study, we are comparing the speech processing of CI users with different levels of speech comprehension," says the project leader. Prof. Georg Berding.

Emission tomography (PET) and electroencephalography (EEG) reveal auditory processing nuances. Participants like Karin Raasch undergo tests with direct sentence input and background noise. This enables precise measurement of brain stimulation during speech processing. Refining imaging with AI reduces radiation, promising improved diagnostics with lower tracer doses.

Formerly deaf individuals, now equipped with CIs, sometimes activate different brain regions for hearing compared to those with normal hearing. The phenomenon of "cross-modal plasticity" allows the brain to repurpose regions, impacting hearing function positively or negatively. Prof. Berding emphasizes: "The brain therefore plays a decisive role in how well a CI works."

Traditionally, assessing CI efficacy relied on precise hearing tests. The combination of PET and EEG recordings enables researchers to delve deeper, understanding the varied auditory processing strategies among users. Prof. Berding envisions: "In future, we will be able to support the development of therapeutic strategies that specifically improve adaptation to electrical hearing."

Hearing loss not only hinders societal participation but also influences the quality of life, potentially leading to age-related disorders. The outcomes of this research hold significant implications for the development of therapeutic strategies that could positively impact the lives of CI users.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH); Universität Oldenburg