Differences in Music Perception Skills Between Child, Teen and Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

Differences in Music Perception Skills Between Child, Teen and Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

Adult recipients of cochlear implants (CI) generally loose interest in listening to music. This may be due to the rather limited spectral resolution of CI. However, child CI-recipients, if offered the opportunity, like to listen to music. They participate actively in musical acitivities, such as singing, dancing or playing an instrument. Thus, there seems to be a fundamental difference in the music perception of people who receive CI as child or as adult.

This study assesses music perception skills of child, teen and adult cochlear implant recipients in settings with simple tone sequences and in a more complex, melodious context.

Inclusion criteria:

• Participants are uni- or bilateral CI recipients.
• Participants are at least 3 years old.
• Participants received CI one or more years before.
• Participants are healthy.
• Participation in the study is voluntary.
• Participants and their legal custodians have read the information for participants at least one day prior to the test and given their written consent.

Exclusion criteria:

• Surgery for CI carried out less than one year before the test.
• Children less than 3 years old.
• Reduced cognitive capabilities due to old age.
• Physical or mental handicaps.