# Encoding Temporal Fine Structure for Cochlear Implants

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $321,223

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The goal of this work is to improve music and speech perception for cochlear implant users. The relevant health
outcome is their quality of life. This proposal focuses on how well cochlear implant users can learn to use
temporal fine structure if provided as a clear and consistent cue for music or voice pitch. Historically, cochlear
implants have discarded temporal fine structure and have only transmitted timing information of relatively slow
envelope fluctuations. Attempts have been made to restore temporal fine structure into cochlear implant
stimulation, but it is unclear whether previous attempts were limited by implementation, lack of experience, or
inherently by physiology. The proposed approach is unique in that it examines the perceptual and physiological
plasticity that occurs when temporal fine structure is restored. Proposed research is organized into two aims,
which examine the relative salience of stimulation place and rate for providing a sense of pitch (Aim 1) and the
salience of dynamic-rate stimulation compared to conventional methods (Aim 2). Both aims combine perceptual
learning, computer-controlled electrode psychophysics, electrophysiology, and computational neural modeling
to characterize the plasticity of pitch perception in cochlear implant users.
Aim 1 examines the perceptual and physiological plasticity associated with place and rate of cochlear implant
stimulation. Cochlear implant users hear an increasing pitch associated with increasing stimulation rate, but this
effect is difficult to measure above 300 Hz. Most studies of psychophysical sensitivity to cochlear implant
stimulation rate have not considered perceptual learning. Preliminary results show that the sense of pitch
provided by stimulation rate improves with training. The proposed research examines perceptual sensitivity and
physiological encoding throughout a crossover training study with training provided for pitch based on place and
rate of stimulation. The primary hypothesis tested is that cochlear implant users have a latent ability to hear pitch
associated with stimulation rate, but they require training to learn how to use this new information.
Aim 2 is to determine whether dynamic-rate stimulation provides better sensitivity and better physiological
encoding of fundamental frequency compared to conventional stimulation methods based on amplitude
modulation of constant-rate stimulation. In normal physiology, auditory-nerve activity phase locks to the temporal
fine structure of sound. Since cochlear implants typically discard this information, it is unknown how well cochlear
implant users can learn to use it if provided. Aim 2 focuses on the comparison between dynamic-rate stimulation
in which stimulation rate is dynamically adjusted to convey temporal fine structure compared to conventional
methods based on amplitude modulation of constant-rate stimulation. The primary hypothesis is that dynamic-
rate stimulation provides better pitch se...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9971384
- **Project number:** 1R01DC018044-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** RAYMOND L GOLDSWORTHY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $321,223
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9971384

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9971384, Encoding Temporal Fine Structure for Cochlear Implants (1R01DC018044-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9971384. Licensed CC0.

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