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Stimulation Mode. Electrical stimulation produces current flow between two points,
an active and a ground electrode. Stimulation mode describes the location of the
active electrode relative to the ground electrode and determines the spread of
electrical activity over the electrode array. The active electrode and the ground
electrode are in close proximity within the cochlea with bipolar stimulation.
Monopolar stimulation provides a wider current spread as current flows between an
active electrode and a remote ground located outside the cochlea. Monopolar
stimulation is only possible with the Nucleus 24. The audiologist may select a wider
stimulation mode in order to lower the amount of electrical current required to obtain
T and C levels. In this case more auditory neural elements are excited by the electrical
stimulation, and less current is required to obtain these levels.
Microphone Sensitivity Control. The microphone sensitivity controls the softest level
of sound picked up by the microphone. With a low sensitivity setting the sound source
must be very close to the microphone, as the speech processor will not detect soft
sounds. Reducing the sensitivity will help filter out background noise. Conversely,
with a high sensitivity setting the sound source can be a further distance from the
microphone. Increasing the sensitivity in quiet environments may help the child hear
very soft sounds. The sensitivity control is set for optimal access to normal speech at a
distance of 3 to 6 feet. If you or the child consistently changes the sensitivity setting,
consult your Nucleus implant center to inquire if re-MAPping may be warranted.
The Nucleus 24's SPrint speech processor features a digital microphone sensitivity
control. The optimal setting is 8, although the programming audiologist may create
specific programs to include a higher sensitivity setting.