Article
First results with the Mu.S.I.C. test in postlingually deaf cochlea implant users and comparison to normal hearing subjects
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Published: | September 22, 2005 |
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Outline
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Our previous studies showed that 2/3 of cochlea implant users listen to music regularly. Most material for testing the music perception of CI users is recorded from synthesizers. This has a major impact on the quality of sounds as the characteristic timbre of individual instruments is lost. This is especially relevant to CI users.
Therefore we developed a music test, covering 8 important objective and subjective aspects of music perception. The test is based on some 3100 music files which allow individual configuration of tasks. All files have been recorded from natural instruments. The test is Windows based and is currently available in English and German language. The results are automatically stored in an Acess database.
The pilot study was performed with 15 CI users and 15 normal hearing subjects who were matched according to age and previous musical experience. Most participants could finish the pilot setup within one session. On average CI users needed 70 minutes and normal hearers 60 to conclude the test. All subtests, but rhythm and dissonance, showed a difference between both groups.
Our pilot study shows that the Mu.S.I.C. test is a valuable tool to test music perception in CI users.