Evaluation of a Two-Formant Speech-Processing Strategy for a Multichannel Cochlear Prosthesis

Initial results with the two-formant speech-processing strategy (F0F1F2) confirm the advantage of a multichannel cochlear prosthesis capable of stimulating at different sites within the cochlea. The successful presentation of two spectra] components by varying the place of stimulation leads to the possibility of presenting further spectral information in this manner. Because virtually all multichannel implant patients demonstrate good “place” (electrode site) discrimination, these more refined coding strategies should lead to benefits for the majority of implantees. Already, with the F0F1F2 strategy, we have a system that appears to provide some effective auditory-alone communication ability for the average patient.