Biomedical subjects

H Neuburger

Publications and source records attributed to H Neuburger.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Long-term auditory adaptation to a modified peripheral frequency map.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implants (CIs) attempt to mimic the tonotopicity of the normal ear by stimulating more basal regions of the cochlea in response to higher frequencies. However, there may be a mismatch between the normal place-frequency map and that implemented by a CI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aiming to measure this potential mismatch and its changes over time, the present study used a method-of-adjustment procedure where CI users and normal-hearing listeners selected synthetic vowels to match prespecified vowel targets. Data from CI users were obtained longitudinally, starting on the day of initial stimulation and continuing for 2 years. RESULTS: CI users showed a significant amount of initial mismatch with respect to the normal-hearing listeners, but they also showed significant learning and adaptation over time and achieved nearly normal performance after some experience with the CI. CONCLUSION: In general, the adaptation process took several months, suggesting that some CI users may benefit from alternative signal processing or rehabilitation procedures designed to facilitate perceptual learning after cochlear implantation.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

PubMed2001

Auditory learning and adaptation after cochlear implantation: a preliminary study of discrimination and labeling of vowel sounds by cochlear implant users.

This study examined two possible reasons underlying longitudinal increases in vowel identification by cochlear implant users: improved labeling of vowel sounds and improved electrode discrimination. The Multidimensional Phoneme Identification (MPI) model was used to obtain ceiling estimates of vowel identification for each subject, given his/her electrode discrimination skills. Vowel identification scores were initially lower than the ceiling estimates, but they gradually approached them over the first few months post-implant. Taken together, the present results suggest that improved labeling is the main mechanism explaining post-implant increases in vowel identification.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1992

Discounting and health benefits.

This paper argues that non-monetary health benefits should not be discounted at the same rate as variables expressed in monetary terms. It argues instead that the appropriate discount rate should be at or close to zero. It explores the various influences of rising income, age and pure time preference on the relative value of current and future health states. It examines various arguments advanced to justify the current practice of discounting health benefits at the same rate as monetary costs. These include uncertainty and delay. The article concludes with an analysis of the likely impact of adopting a zero discount rate on the ranking of health interventions.

Age Factors↗