Supplementary Material for: Audiological Results with the SAMBA Audio Processor in Comparison to the Amadé for the Vibrant Soundbridge

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Since its introduction in 1996, the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) has been upgraded with several improved generations of processors. As all systems are compatible, implanted patients can benefit from new technologies by upgrading to the newest processor type available. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the new (current) SAMBA processor with the previous Amadé processor. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty subjects monaurally implanted with a VSB and the Amadé processor tested the new SAMBA processor for a trial period of 4 weeks. We measured air conduction and bone conduction thresholds, unaided thresholds, and aided free field thresholds with both devices. Speech performance in quiet using the Freiburg monosyllabic test at 65 dB SPL (S₀) was compared. The speech intelligibility in noise was determined using the Oldenburg sentence test measured in different listening conditions (S₀N_VSB/S₀N_contra) and microphone settings (omni/directional vs. adaptive directivity). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Word recognition scores in quiet with the SAMBA were still significantly lower than with the Amadé after the 4 weeks trial period but improved over the following year. Speech intelligibility with the SAMBA was significantly better than with the Amadé in omnidirectional mode and comparable with the Amadé in directional mode. Hence, the adaptive directionality provides an advantage in difficult hearing situations such as noisy environments. The subjective benefit was evaluated using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities-C questionnaire. Results of the questionnaires demonstrate an overall higher level of satisfaction with the new SAMBA speech processor than with the older processor. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The SAMBA enables similar speech perception in quiet but more flexible adaptation in acoustically challenging environments compared to the previous Amadé processor.

<b><i>背景：</i></b> 自1996年推出以来，振动声桥（Vibrant Soundbridge，VSB）已历经多代处理器升级。由于所有系统均兼容，已植入的患者可通过升级至当前可用的最新款处理器，享受到新技术带来的益处。<b><i>目的：</i></b> 本研究旨在对比新一代（当前主流）SAMBA处理器与前代Amadé处理器的性能表现。<b><i>方法：</i></b> 本研究共纳入20名单耳植入振动声桥并搭配Amadé处理器的受试者，对其试用新款SAMBA处理器为期4周。我们分别使用两种设备，测量了气导阈值、骨导阈值、助听前阈值以及助听自由场阈值。对比了在65 dB声压级（S₀）下，使用弗莱堡单音节测试（Freiburg monosyllabic test）测得的安静环境下言语识别能力。通过奥尔登堡语句测试（Oldenburg sentence test），在不同聆听条件（S₀N_VSB/S₀N_contra）与麦克风模式（全向/定向 vs. 自适应定向）下，评估了噪声环境中的言语可懂度。<b><i>结果：</i></b> 经4周试用后，SAMBA处理器在安静环境下的单词识别得分仍显著低于Amadé处理器，但在后续一年中得分有所提升。在全向麦克风模式下，SAMBA的言语可懂度显著优于Amadé；而在定向模式下，二者表现相当。由此可见，自适应定向功能在嘈杂环境等复杂聆听场景中具备显著优势。本研究采用《简化助听器获益概况问卷》（Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit）以及《言语、空间与质量-C问卷》（Speech, Spatial and Qualities-C）评估了受试者的主观获益情况。问卷结果显示，相较于前代处理器，受试者对新款SAMBA言语处理器的整体满意度更高。<b><i>结论：</i></b> 相较于前代Amadé处理器，SAMBA处理器在安静环境下可实现相近的言语感知能力，但在声学复杂的环境中具备更灵活的自适应调节能力。