The first adjustment of the external part of the device is carried out in the implant centre after a short period of time, which often varies according to the hospital protocol, but is usually one month after the surgery.
It is a highly emotional moment when somebody discovers or rediscovers the world of sound.
During this session, the person in charge of the adjustments gives the patient a speech processor (external part) and explains how it works.

Adjustment System:

Adjustment is only possible using a computer with the specific Digimap SP software programme developed by Neurelec for the Digisonic®SP cochlear implant. 
The software is designed to be user-friendly and both the main parameters (perception and comfort thresholds, frequency distribution) and the comfort options can be adjusted (gain on each electrode, button control, etc) and the settings in the processor can be programmed.

The latest version of the Digimap SP software allows the adjustement of
Digi SP and Digi SP'K. The adjustment system includes an interface, which links the patient’s processor equipment to the computer.

The principles of adjustment:

Given the sophisticated nature of current devices, there are a large number of parameters to be set when the device is adjusted.
However, the basic principle involves determining the amount of energy required for each electrode to function. The minimum threshold is equivalent to the amount of energy needed for the patient to be sensitive to sound. The maximum threshold is when the sound perceived borders on discomfort. Each electrode must be attributed with a frequency band in order to offer the best sound spectrum possible for understanding speech and identifying background noise.
The other parameters are for comfort allowing adjustment of the sensitivity for each wearer, gain by each electrode, tone and other functions available to the user.
The following adjustments are for fine tuning of electrodes.
The settings are subjective and are based on what the wearer feels most comfortable with. The person in charge of the adjustments must improve the settings in order to achieve optimal auditory perception and comfort.
Several adjustment sessions are necessary during the first months after the operation, which will become less with time and the wearer’s progress.