A DSK based simplified speech processing module for Cochlear Implant research

A simple yet flexible research module for laboratory experiments in evaluating performance of different speech processing strategies of cochlear implant is developed. It enables algorithm development and evaluation through a series of three sub-modules. software evaluation module provides a graphical environment to the researchers to develop new strategies as well as experiment with parametric variation of these strategies. Evaluation is done by means of waveform analyzer and audible reconstruction of the synthesized sound. Hardware evaluation module evaluates real-time operational performance of the algorithms in DSP environment. It highlights the practical bottlenecks of any algorithm when transferred from software to hardware domain. Finally, real-time patient evaluation module allows performance evaluation of the developed strategy on actual cochlear implant patients. Simple and easy to use GUIs enable clinicians and researchers to experiment with speech processing strategies with great ease and flexibility without requiring advanced programming skills.