Evaluation of an online music rehabilitation resource for cochlear implant users
The use of music training in auditory rehabilitation of cochlear implant users is not new. However, use of music rehabilitation programmes by clinicians is currently limited, which is partly explained by the lack of evidence for the efficacy and efficiency of these materials. Following continuous consultations by cochlear implant users and professionals, the Interactive Music Awareness Programme (IMAP) was recently developed at the University of Southampton. It consists of various listening tasks and activities which aim to (re-)engage cochlear implant users with music and help them recognise specific features of music through their implant, such as melodic pitch and the timbre of musical instruments. The IMAP was developed and trialled in 2012, is being currently updated and the new version will be launched online in 2014.
Evaluation of a music rehabilitation programme should assess both the effects on specific music tasks and the efficiency of the resource. Music identification and enjoyment remains a great challenge for cochlear implant users despite the significant gains for speech. One of the aims of the present study is to use objective measures to test the effects of the programme on musical instrument identification, melodic pitch perception and song lyrics recognition. We also aim to employ subjective measures to detect changes in the way cochlear implant users experience music in everyday life. In order to see how accessible the IMAP is to cochlear implant users, its availability and time- and cost-effectiveness will be evaluated.
Contact: Giorgos Dritsakis
Email: gd1y12 (@) soton.ac.uk
