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Optimizing frequency channels for adults with cochlear implants, page 2 Cochlear implants (CIs) are devices used by individuals with hearing loss to improve communication through the use of an electrode array that directly stimulates the auditory nerve. Existing signal processing strategies utilize a logarithmic frequency-to-electrode allocation, mimicking the representation of frequencies along the basilar membrane (high frequencies at the base and low frequencies at the apex). These strategies support some degree of open-set speech recognition for CI users; however, average speech recognition remains well below that of normal-hearing adults. To enhance speech recognition by adult CI users, this study examined one promising alternative to the standard logarithmic frequency-to-electrode allocation. The allocation map was modified to provide more refined representations of the first two (and most important) vowel formant frequencies (energy peaks vowel spectra that are critical to speech perception). Twelve participants were tested using two different CI maps: one based on existing clinical frequency-to-electrode allocation strategies (Standard) and one designed to improve the resolution of the first two formants, which should especiall