Binaural Hearing and Speech in Noise in Children
Official title: Development of Binaural Hearing
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11631484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how children hear speech in noisy classrooms using how the two ears work together to see if binaural processing differences explain why some kids struggle more than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $696,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DC023197-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11631484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children (including those with hearing loss) and infants who are learning language and may experience difficulty perceiving speech in noise.
✕Less likely to help
Children without noticeable hearing or language processing challenges in noisy environments may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Kids often have to understand speech in noisy environments like classrooms or daycares, and this project asks whether the way the two ears work together to process sound (binaural processing) helps explain the variation in listening in noise. It will look at how age (infancy to older children) and hearing loss influence this process, with a focus on real-world listening in noisy settings. By studying binaural processing in both typical-hearing and hearing-impaired children, the researchers aim to identify factors that contribute to difficulties and how these might be mitigated in educational environments. The findings could inform classroom acoustics and interventions to support better language and cognitive development for children with hearing differences. The work will be conducted at the University of Washington under the leadership of Bonnie K. Lau and a multidisciplinary team.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to improved classroom practices and hearing interventions that help children understand speech in noisy settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests binaural processing differences contribute to hearing in noise, but this project aims to clarify developmental and hearing-loss effects in children.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lau, Bonnie K. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Lau, Bonnie K.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.