CI Select vs ChEgSS

For cochlear implant users. Request manual at CISelect.questions@gmail.com or https://med.nyu.edu/research/translational-auditory-research-lab/sites/default/files/ci-select-manual.pdf NOTE: Instructions for users of Cochlear devices with 22 active electrodes and default frequency allocation table (188-7938Hz). Users with deactivated electrodes or non-default FAT should consult the manual. 1) Audio link to iPhone: • N7 processor or newer: Use MiniMic 2+ with audio cable between iPhone and Mini-Mic 2+ line-in jack. • N6 processor or older: Connect iPhone via audio cable to speech processor. • Deactivate microphone input by: o Using accessory-only map (consult audiologist) o Using remote to set 100% accessory/0% microphone mix ratio NOTE: Current version may not work well with Bluetooth connection between the iPhone and the speech processor. Use wired connection only. Using CI Select: • Adjust iPhone volume to comfortable level using speech or continuous audio. • Select grid boxes (each one represents a different FAT) to compare sound quality and speech intelligibility. Use "LF edge" slider or click boxes to change settings. Red square shows current setting. Default is 188Hz (standard FAT). • Note: Slight audio delay may occur. If bothersome, minimize acoustic input by removing acoustic component, hearing device in other ear, or using ear plug in opposite ear. • Test different FATs until finding best intelligibility and sound quality. App makes no permanent changes—share preferred settings with audiologist for permanent map changes. Grid Searching Tips: • Tried FATs appear lighter green. Current FAT is red. • Click "Save Favorite" to mark promising FATs (yellow). Select multiple favorites. • "Delete last" removes most recent favorite. Repeat to reset grid. Advanced Option - Extended Frequency Mode: Default grid adjusts LF edge only (sufficient for most users). For full control: • Click "Extended Frequency Mode" (EFM) below LF edge bar • This gives access to full grid with LF edges (rows) and HF edges (columns) • Selected box shows LF & HF intersection • Toggle EFM switch to return to default view For non-standard settings, reference the full manual for detailed instructions.

ChEgSS is a computer-based test of masked word recognition that was developed to assess children between the ages of 4 to 17 years of age. The test can be administered by audiologists in English or in Spanish, and the background is either speech-shaped noise or two-talker speech. Target speech is a corpus of 30 two-syllable words that are familiar to young children and easily recognized based on simple illustrations. In each trial of the test, the child hears a word and sees four pictures. The task is to select the target from among the alternatives. This test can be administered either adaptively or using a fixed signal-to-noise ratio. One important feature of ChEgSS is its reliance on pre-recorded materials and direct responses. Test instructions and picture familiarization are built into the protocol, so the tester does not have to be fluent in the test language in order to obtain valid results. Asking the child to select the picture depicting the target eliminates scoring errors. These errors may be associated with limited language familiarity on the part of the tester or speech production problems on the part of the child. ChEgSs is currently under under development through a multi-center grant funded by NIH NIDCD (R01DC015056). Initial development of the test is nearing completion. The goal of this project is to make the ChEgSS test widely available to both clinicians and researchers, as well as to provide normative data, and outcomes data on children with varying degrees of hearing loss. Although a primary motivation for this project was to improve speech perception testing protocols for Spanish/English bilingual children, it is also appropriate for monolingual English speaking children.