Evaluation of the Effect of a Spatial Localization Training Program on Auditory Comprehension

Evaluation of the Effect of a Spatial Localization Training Program on Auditory Comprehension in Noise in Bi-implanted Subjects With Post-lingual Deafness

Hearing comprehension under complex listening conditions is considered to be the central complaint of everyday life for patients with cochlear implants. Localization is one of the cues for listening comprehension. However, only few studies have investigated the effect of spatial localization training on listening comprehension performance in noise. None of these studies correspond to the desire to purpose training by speech therapists while using affordable equipment.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a spatial localization training protocol in cochlear bi-implanted subjects with post-lingual deafness on their ability to understand in noise.

2 groups of 10 subjects each will be recruited: a patient group and a control group. The patient group will undergo 8 sessions of spatial localization rehabilitation lasting an average of 45 minutes each.

After this programme, the pre-test and post- test results obtained will be compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• post-lingual deafness
• implanted bilaterally for at least 1 year
• score ≥ 70 at LAFON scale
• score ≥ 70 at MBAA scale
• score ≥ 5/9 at CAP scale
• good command of the French language
• accepts to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• do not realize speech reeducation (spatial localisation and speech perception) during the study
• no change in setting of cochlear implants