Beskrivelse
Background: Cross-modal cortical reorganization is known to occur in individuals with untreated hearing loss. However, the research literature is still unclear about the effects that the regular use of hearing devices such as cochlear implants (CIs) have on this phenomenon. Here, we explored the effects of cross-modal plasticity on comprehension-related abilities in experienced CI users.Methods: Using multichannel electroencephalography, we tested individuals who had used CIs for at least two years as well as age-matched controls (N = 2 × 13). Using digit triplet stimuli, we evoked cortical responses known to reflect comprehension abilities, that is, the N400 and Late Positive Complex (LPC) responses. The participants were tested in auditory, visual, and visual-then-auditory stimulus conditions.
Results: Comparison of the response amplitudes and latencies from three stimulus conditions is expected to provide insights into cross-modal plasticity. The absence of any group differences would indicate that regular CI use can reverse the effects of cross-modal reorganization caused by untreated hearing loss. Alternatively, if group differences are observed, this would indicate no or
only a partial reversal due to CI treatment. In the case of observable group differences, we would expect larger amplitudes and longer latencies in the CI group. Such differences would be indicative of more cognitive processing related to stimulus ‘repair’ required to compensate for the degraded auditory input from the CI device.
Conclusions: The results are expected to provide insights into how CI treatment affects late cortical processes reflecting the comprehension of auditory and visual input signals.
| Periode | 11. feb. 2023 → 15. feb. 2023 |
|---|---|
| Begivenhedstitel | 46th Annual MidWinter Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology |
| Begivenhedstype | Konference |
| Placering | Orlando, USA, FloridaVis på kort |
| Grad af anerkendelse | International |