First Sounds - Initial Programming

A speech processor program, also known as a map, contains settings for pitch, loudness and timing. Programs are customized to meet each person's particular needs during "fitting sessions" with an audiologist. The speech processor is fitted 3 to 6 weeks after surgery and is set up individually for each user.

Programming steps:

	The speech processor and coil are correctly placed on the cochlear implant user’s ear and head.
	The speech processor is linked to the clinic's fitting computer.
	The audiologist uses the clinic computer software to generate sound signals at carefully controlled levels.
	The cochlear implant user indicates 1) the quietest sound heard (threshold level) and, 2) the loudest comfortable sound heard (most comfortable level).
	These two levels are measured for all electrodes in the cochlea.
	Using this information, a program is created, allocating sounds between these two levels and ensuring that sounds are loud enough to hear but not uncomfortably loud.
	The program is fine-tuned during following clinic sessions.