Validation of the French-language version of the OTOSPEECH automated scoring software package for speech audiometry.

Objectives: To validate a novel speech audiometry method using customized self-voice recorded word lists with automated scoring.

Patients And Methods: The self-voice effect was investigated by comparing results with prerecorded or self-recorded CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) word lists. Then customized lists of 3-phoneme words were drawn up using the OTOSPEECH software package, and their scores were compared to those for reference lists.

Assessment of 'Fitting to Outcomes Expert' FOX™ with new cochlear implant users in a multi-centre study.

Objective: To compare the fitting time requirements and the efficiency in achieving improvements in speech perception during the first 6 months after initial stimulation of computer-assisted fitting with the Fitting to Outcome eXpert' (FOX) and a standard clinical fitting procedure.

Method: Twenty-seven post-lingually deafened adults, newly implanted recipients of the Advanced Bionics HiRes 90K™ cochlear implant from Germany, the UK, and France took part in a controlled, randomized, clinical study. Speech perception was measured for all participants and fitting times were compared across groups programmed using FOX and conventional programming methods.

Evaluation of the 'Fitting to Outcomes eXpert' (FOX®) with established cochlear implant users.

Objectives: To evaluate the possible impact of 'Fitting to Outcomes eXpert (FOX(®))' on cochlear implant (CI) fitting in a clinic with extensive experience of fitting a range of CI systems, as a way to assess whether a software tool such as FOX is able to complement standard clinical procedures.

Methods: Ten adult post-lingually deafened and unilateral long-term users of the Advanced Bionics(TM) CI system (Clarion CII or HiRes 90K(TM)) underwent speech perception assessment with their current clinical program. One cycle 'iteration' of FOX optimization was performed and the program adjusted accordingly.

Setting and reaching targets with computer-assisted cochlear implant fitting.

Objective: The paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of defining a substantial set of psychoacoustic outcome measures with preset targets and to adopt a systematic methodology for reaching these targets in a large group of subjects, by more than one clinical centre.

Design: Retrospective data analysis.

Setting: Multicentre with 14 participating centres.

Cochlear implant programming: a global survey on the state of the art.

The programming of CIs is essential for good performance. However, no Good Clinical Practice guidelines exist. This paper reports on the results of an inventory of the current practice worldwide.