LAUSR

It is well established that cochlear implant users can perceive pitch associated with pulse train stimulation rate, but that rate sensitivity diminishes above 300 pps. However, there have been multiple reported cases of individuals sensitive to stimulation rates well above 300 pps. Furthermore, Goldsworthy and Shannon (2014) demonstrated that sensitivity to stimulation rate could be improved through psychophysical training. The goal of the present study is to identify factors affecting rate sensitivity in cochlear implant users, including age, etiology, and duration of deafness, electrode location, stimulation mode, neural health as measured by multipulse integration, and spatial tuning as measured by forward masked thresholds. Adult cochlear implant users serve as subjects in a 3-week protocol that includes 4 hours per week of electrode psychophysics conducted in the laboratory and 30 minute daily auditory listening exercises conducted at home. Results indicate that cochlear implant users with minimal psychophysical training consistently discriminate rate differences at least as high as 800 pps. Emerging trends show a group effect with a monopolar stimulation mode and basal cochlear location benefit. We will report on the effect of the factors affecting rate sensitivity for this ongoing study.It is well established that cochlear implant users can perceive pitch associated with pulse train stimulation rate, but that rate sensitivity diminishes above 300 pps. However, there have been multiple reported cases of individuals sensitive to stimulation rates well above 300 pps. Furthermore, Goldsworthy and Shannon (2014) demonstrated that sensitivity to stimulation rate could be improved through psychophysical training. The goal of the present study is to identify factors affecting rate sensitivity in cochlear implant users, including age, etiology, and duration of deafness, electrode location, stimulation mode, neural health as measured by multipulse integration, and spatial tuning as measured by forward masked thresholds. Adult cochlear implant users serve as subjects in a 3-week protocol that includes 4 hours per week of electrode psychophysics conducted in the laboratory and 30 minute daily auditory listening exercises conducted at home. Results indicate that cochlear implant users with minimal ps...