The Effects of Familiarity and Complexity on Appraisal of Complex Songs by Cochlear Implant Recipients and Normal Hearing Adults:
A test of complex song appraisal was developed that would be suitable for use with adults who use a cochlear implant or assistive hearing device, and the appraisal ratings were compared with a group of adults with normal hearing. A computerized test for appraisal was developed. Implant users rated two of three musical genres (country western, pop) as significantly more complex than did normal hearing adults, and gave significantly less positive ratings to classical music than did normal hearing adults. Appraisal responses of implant recipients were examined in relation to hearing history, age, performance on speech perception and cognitive tests, and musical background.
Gfeller, Kate; Christ, Aaron; Knutson, John; Witt, Shelley; Mehr, Maureen. (2003). The Effects of Familiarity and Complexity on Appraisal of Complex Songs by Cochlear Implant Recipients and Normal Hearing Adults. Journal of Music Therapy, 40(2), 78-112.