[Musical perception and enjoyment in post-lingual patients with cochlear implants]

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate music perception and enjoyment following cochlear implantation and its impact on quality of life (QOL).

Material and method: Eighty-eight adult post-lingually deaf cochlear implant users entered the study. The music questionnaire analyzed musical background, listening habits, and quality of musical sound through the cochlear implant. Music perception was evaluated with the Primary Measures of Music Audiation (PMMA). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory evaluated the quality of life (QOL). The music questionnaires, the PMMA and the GBI were completed by 84 %, 74 %, and 82 % of patients, respectively.

Results: Subjective enjoyment of music and listening habits decreased post-implantation when compared with prior to deafness. Mean scores for music perception were: tone 71 %, rhythm 78 %, timbre 61 %, songs 59 %, and melodies 23 %. The quality of music sound through the cochlear implant was associated with music enjoyment and with QOL.

Conclusions: Music enjoyment and perception are possible with a cochlear implant. The quality of music sound through the cochlear implant influences post-operative QOL.