FineHearing™

With the introduction of its OPUS speech processors, MED-EL has implemented a new concept in sound processing strategies, FineHearing™. It is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional envelope-based technologies.

 

Previously, cochlear implants have only been able to process the envelope information of sound signals. As a worldwide first, MED-EL's FineHearing™ technology allows users to experience the detailed fine structure of complex sounds. Recipients of a MED-EL cochlear implant system are now enabled to enjoy music in much greater detail.

 

Fine structure information contains cues that are especially important when listening to music or having conversations in noisy environments.

A sound signal can be separated into two parts: the envelope and the fine structure. The envelope is a general outline of a sound signal that reflects changes in loudness (amplitude) over time. The fine structure contains more detailed information and reflects the rapidly changing pitch (frequency) details.


Fine structure - an example

A picture of London’s emblem Big Ben may help to demonstrate the benefit fine structure information is providing.

Clicking on envelope will show the silhouette of Big Ben, however, any details are missing. This can be compared to the envelope of a sound signal.

Clicking on fine structure, shows the rich ornamental details of the world-famous clock, illustrating the fine structure information.

 

Integrating both, envelope and fine structure information, provides the details, depth and dimensions of sound and helps to differentiate between subtle differences of sound for improved music appreciation and better speech discrimination.

Sound Processing

Sound processing, determines how sounds (music, speech, environmental sounds, etc.) are converted by the speech processor into electrical pulses that are used to stimulate the cochlea. The OPUS speech processors support a variety of sound processing strategies to ensure that users achieve the best possible performance.