An improved sound processor for a multiple-channel cochlear implant

Abstract

A portable sound processor that provides significant improvements in speech perception to implantees using multiple-electrode hearing prostheses is presented. The device, called Spectral Maxima Sound Processor (SMSP), analyzes incoming signals by means of a bank of 16 bandpass filters. At regular time intervals, six pulses representing the largest spectral components are delivered by the implant to selected intracochlear electrodes. By comparison with the latest version of the Mini Speech Processor normally used with the implants, the SMSP performs better on tests with speech material presented both in quiet and in noise.