2022 Volume 65 Issue 1 Pages 44-50
In this study, we investigated the gap detection thresholds in cochlear implant (CI) users. In addition, we also determined the relationship between the gap detection threshold and speech perception in the same subjects. The gap detection thresholds were examined using an adaptive gap detection test, which consisted of one silent interval of 2-34 ms embedded in four segments of white noise. The subjects, who were all CI users, were asked to detect the gap, and we calculated the gap detection threshold in each test.
The mean gap detection threshold was 16.4 ms (range: 8-34 ms) in the CI users. Thus, the gap detection threshold was higher in CI users, and there were large individual differences. Overall, we identified a significant correlation between the gap detection threshold and the speech perception score. However, in CI users with gap detection thresholds of 20 ms or less, no correlation was noted between the gap detection threshold and the speech perception score, and gap detection thresholds of 22 ms or greater appeared to be related to low speech perception scores.
