Perceptual implications of cochlear implant electrode-neuron interfaces

The project proposes three aims: 1) Determine the underlying mechanisms for spectral resolution in children and adults with cochlear implants by comparing peripheral physiological and behavioral tuning across the lifespan; 2) Quantify short-term (over hours) changes in speech perception in children and adults when using optimized programming strategies with selective channel deactivation with and without focused stimulation; and 3) Quantify long-term (over weeks) changes in speech perception in children and adults using the same optimized strategies as in Aim 2. The research aims to advance understanding of implanted auditory system development, guide cochlear implant programming for spectrally challenging signals, and determine the timecourse of acclimatization to programming changes.