Music perception with implant
Rhythmic perception was better then melodic or harmonic perception
Preferred “structured” as opposed to “unstructured” rhythms
Had difficulty distinguishing differences in pitch when melody had small interval changes
Notes:
Gfeller & Lansing (1991), Gfeller, Woodworth, Robin, Witt & Knutson (1997)
Studies to determine perceptions of rhythm, melody, timbre and pitch
Scored better on rhythm as opposed to tonal and harmonic perception tests
(Hearing subjects showed higher scores for melodic perception)
Greater accuracy for music with “structured” rhythms as opposed to “unstructured” rhythms
Preferred isolated rhythmic patterns over rhythmic with harmonic patterns
Less accurate in a same-different comparison when melodic patterns included small pitch changes
Postlingually deaf - often disappointed when hearing music through the implant as the signal lacked the tonal/harmonic structure which hearing persons expect
Prelingually deaf - often found music to be enjoyable through the implant and identified music listening as a major motivating factor behind acceptance of the implant