An exemplary sound processor included in a cochlear implant system used by a recipient is configured to generate a spectral input signal representative of spectral energy contained within a frequency band of a plurality of frequency bands of an audio input signal presented to the recipient. The sound processor further receives a predetermined system noise threshold that is determined prior to the audio input signal being presented to the recipient and that is based on a predicted or measured spectral energy level of system noise generated by a theoretical or test cochlear implant system associated with, but distinct from, the cochlear implant system. The sound processor determines whether a spectral energy level of the spectral input signal exceeds the system noise threshold and, based on this determination, performs an action that impacts stimulation provided to the recipient by the cochlear implant system. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
