First Sounds - Initial Programming

A speech processor program, also known as a map, contains settings for pitch, loudness and timing. Programs are customized to meet each person's particular needs during "fitting sessions" with an audiologist. The speech processor is fitted 3 to 6 weeks after surgery and is set up individually for each user.

Programming steps:

• The speech processor and coil are correctly placed on the cochlear implant user’s ear and head.
• The speech processor is linked to the clinic's fitting computer.
• The audiologist uses the clinic computer software to generate sound signals at carefully controlled levels.
• The cochlear implant user indicates
  1) the quietest sound heard (threshold level) and,
  2) the loudest comfortable sound heard (most comfortable level).
• These two levels are measured for all electrodes in the cochlea.
• Using this information, a program is created, allocating sounds between these two levels and ensuring that sounds are loud enough to hear but not uncomfortably loud.
• The program is fine-tuned during following clinic sessions.
  Educational needs and rehabilitation