Understanding Sound Coding Strategies

A sound processing strategy, or sound coding strategy, is a method that converts sound waves into patterns of electrical pulses. These electrical pulses are generated by the implant to stimulate the auditory nerve via an electrode array within the cochlea.

MED‑EL’s sound coding strategy integrates its innovative FineHearing™1 technology, which overcomes the limitations of envelope-based “traditional” coding strategies of other systems. Similar to frequency coding in normal hearing, FineHearing1 codes a sound signal using both rate and place cues. The additional rate coding in low to mid frequencies mimicks natural hearing better than ever before and provides fine structure information important for more complex listening tasks and situations. In addition, the fine structure information of a sound is highly important for good music perception.

"Hearing in High Definition" with FineHearing

[ Click on Envelope, Fine Structure, and FineHearing above ]