Auditory memory for random time patterns in cochlear implant listeners

Abstract

Learning new sounds is essential for normal hearing listeners and cochlear implant users alike, with the additional challenge for implant users that spectral resolution is severely degraded. Here, the rapid learning of stochastic temporal sequences was evaluated for cochlear implant users using electric pulse trains and for normal hearing listeners using matched acoustic pulse trains. Rapid perceptual learning was observed for both groups, with similar characteristics. Implant users were also able to learn ultra-fast electric temporal sequences unavailable to acoustic hearing. This suggests that cochlear implant users retain the plasticity mechanisms needed for rapid perceptual learning of complex temporal sequences.