Overview

This observational study will examine newly activated cochlear implant users and determine whether their abilities to discern simple sounds change and relate to improved speech perception. Take-home computers and test-equipment will be sent home, and subjects will complete approximately 25 test sessions over the first 3 months of cochlea implant use. Then, subjects will be tested 3 more times in the laboratory until 1 year-post activation. The primary objective is to determine and quantify how sounds change and speech perception improves over the course of early cochlear implant use.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Postlingually deaf cochlear implant users
2. severe or profound hearing loss
3. who do not have other diagnoses communicative or cognitive disorders.
4. Test population: no prior experience with cochlear implants (recruitment happens prior to cochlear implantation).
5. Control population: subjects who have used the same stimulation strategy since initial stimulation, who note no continuing improvements or changes with their devices with respect to speech comprehension.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed cognitive or communicative disorders (other than deafness)
2. Below 18 years of age
3. Above the age of 85 years old.