Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the moment-to-moment auditory
control of voice at an early stage after implantation with Clarion coc
hlear implants. Study Design: A perceptive and electroacoustic evaluat
ion of the voice was carried out through a digital analysis immediatel
y after the activation of the implant, before the fitting procedure ha
s begun. Setting: The study was performed at the Department of Otolary
ngology, University ''La Sapienza'' of Rome. Patients: Nine profoundly
deaf subjects (five post-linguistic deaf adults, two pre-linguistic d
eaf children and two peri-linguistic deaf subjects, one adult and one
child). Intervention: Surgical insertion of a Clarion cochlear device.
Main Outcome Measures: Qualitative (short-term pitch and energy pertu
rbation, intonation, vocal attack, quality, and intensity) and quantit
ative (F0, F1, F2 and F3 frequency values), under non activated (NAP)
and activated (AI) condition, have been obtained. Results: In the majo
rity of patients, the perceptive evaluation under Al showed a lowering
of voice intonation, a better control of voice intensity, and a reduc
tion of nasal quality. These findings were confirmed by a significant
lowering of F0 (Wicoxon non parametric test) in all cases and lowering
of F1 and F2 in five cases. Additionally, a better definition of all
formats in the majority of cases as well as by a parallelism of pitch
and energy profile was observed. Conclusions: The Clarion cochlear imp
lant device provided a recognizable moment-to-moment auditory control
on voice and articulatory patterns. By monitoring the articulated voic
e during adjustment of the electrical stimulation at the first fitting
session, one may be able to include these data and assist in the sele
ction of the best rehabilitative strategy.