Speech Recognition of Cochlear Implant Users Inside a Noisy Helicopter Environment

Audiol Neurootol. 2019;24(1):32-37. doi: 10.1159/000497031. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Abstract

In this study, we tested whether the speech recognition, through radio communications, of cochlear implant (CI) users inside a noisy helicopter cockpit is adequate for safe flight.

Method: Speech recognition tests (sentences, numbers and disyllables) through a very-high-frequency radio were administered to 12 CI users in a soundproof booth, inside a helicopter with the engine turned off and turned on.

Results: In quiet environments, radio communications were impacted only for disyllable intelligibility, but in noisy situations, all tests were affected.

Conclusions: CI subjects did not achieve the auditory levels recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Keywords: Aircraft; Aviation medicine; Cochlear implant; Hearing loss; Helicopter.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Aged
  • Aircraft*
  • Cochlear Implantation*
  • Cochlear Implants*
  • Deafness / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Noise*
  • Speech Perception*
  • Young Adult