Abstract
This study examines the efficiency and effectiveness of three types of training on
recognition of musical instruments by adults with cochlear implants (CI). Seventy-one
adults with CIs were randomly assigned to one of three training conditions: feedback
on response accuracy, feedback-plus (response accuracy plus correct answer), and direct
instruction. Each participant completed three training sessions per week over a five-week
time period in which they listened to recorded excerpts of eight different musical
instruments. Results showed significant pre-to-posttest improvement in music instrument
recognition accuracy for all three training conditions (22.9–25.7%, p < 0.0001). Time when tested (week), bilateral CI use, and age were significant predictors
of performance. Participants who wore bilateral implants scored significantly higher
than participants with unilateral implants at all three time points; hearing aid use
was not a significant predictor. These results may have practical implications for
numerous types of auditory rehabilitation for persons who use CIs.
Keywords
cochlear implant - music - training - auditory rehabilitation