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Study Rationale: Extensive research on speech comprehension with a cochlear implant (CI) stands in strong contrast to virtually no published research on voice recognition abilities of CI users. For speech comprehension in sentences, matrix tests like the OLSA are currently gold standard, with advantages such as repeatability, but also practical limitations when fast screening is a priority.

Methods: Here we report the first findings on CI users’ performance in a new psychometrically validated test on voice memory for speaker identity (Jena Voice Learning and Memory Test, JVLMT; Humble et al. [1]) and in a new adaptive short test on speech comprehension (Jena Screening Test for Speech Comprehension in Sentences, JESSCom; von Eiff et al. [2]) using 5-word sentences from the Jena Speaker Set (JESS; Zäske et al. [3]). In Study 1, we tested 26 CI users with the OLSA, and with two versions of JESSCom: (JESSComA with original sentences, and JESSComB with short 0.125 s artificial breaks between words for improved parsing and comparability to the OLSA). In Study 2, 8 CI users implanted within the last 6 months, 11 CI users with > 2 years of experience, and 10 controls) were tested with the JESSComA and the JVLMT.

Results: In Study 1, large correlations (all p < .001) were observed between OLSA and both JESSComA (r =.73) and JESSComB scores (r = .83). In Study 2, we found significant group-level impairments of CI users in speech comprehension (p < .001), with larger impairments for more recently implanted CI users (p = .011). We also found significant impairments of CI users in voice learning and memory (p < .001), but with similar impairments for CI users with short and longer experience with their implants (ps > .10).

Conclusions: Overall, for CI users (1) the JESSCom is a valid and economical (7 min) screening test to assess speech comprehension when repeatability is of minor importance, (2) the JVLMT (22 min) is a suitable tool to assess voice recognition, and (3) the role of CI experience during rehabilitation might differ for speech comprehension and voice recognition.

Literatur

[1] Humble D, Schweinberger SR, Mayer A, Jesgarzewsky TL, Dobel C, Zäske R. The Jena Voice Learning and Memory Test (JVLMT): A standardized tool for assessing the ability to learn and recognize voices. Behav Res Methods. 2023 Apr;55(3):1352-1371. DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-01818-3
[2] von Eiff et al. The Jena Screening Test For Speech Comprehension In Sentences (JESSCom): Development and Preliminary Validation. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Audiologie e.V. 26. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Audiologie. Aalen, 06.-08.03.2024. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2024. Doc155.
[3] Zäske R, Skuk VG, Golle J, Schweinberger SR. The Jena Speaker Set (JESS)-A database of voice stimuli from unfamiliar young and old adult speakers. Behav Res Methods. 2020 Jun;52(3):990-1007. DOI: 10.3758/s13428-019-01296-0