Performance and preference for ACE stimulation rates obtained with nucleus RP 8 and freedom system.

Cochlear recently released the Nucleus Freedom System which has been based on the Nucleus Research Platform 8. Both systems make use of the same implant, the CI24RE, which includes expanded total stimulation rates up to 32 kHz. In this study the performance of the ACE strategy at 500, 1200 and 3500 pps/channel was investigated using an ABC-CBA design. At the end of each period speech tests were performed. In the CBA phase the patients completed a comparative questionnaire to determine the subjective rate preference. Preliminary results in 13 recipients indicate no differences in for the ACE strategy at rates ranging from 500 pps to 3500 pps/channel.