This study identifies three underlying dimensions of real-time lexical competition in cochlear implant (CI) users and individuals without hearing loss, using the Visual World Paradigm. These dimensions – Wait-and-See, Sustained-Activation, and Slow-Activation-Rate – are predicted by different auditory skills and demographic factors. Higher Wait-and-See and Sustained-Activation scores correlate with poorer speech perception outcomes. These findings suggest that word recognition mechanisms vary systematically across individuals and listening contexts.

Bob McMurray, Francis X. Smith, Marissa Huffman, Kristin Rooff, John B. Muegge, Charlotte Jeppsen, Ethan Kutlu, Sarah Colby