Brain scans and AI to predict language progress after cochlear implants
Neural Prediction to Enhance Language Outcomes in Children with Cochlear Implant
['FUNDING_R01'] · LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO · NIH-11166648
This project uses pre-surgery brain MRI and artificial intelligence to predict how young children with cochlear implants will learn spoken language over the four years after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166648 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If my child is getting a cochlear implant, doctors will use the routine MRI taken before surgery and AI tools to build a model that predicts my child’s language progress for up to four years after implantation. The research follows both English- and Spanish-learning children and tracks how kids respond to an intensive communication therapy program. The team will examine brain networks involved in attention, hearing, and higher-level thinking to see which patterns link to stronger language growth. Results will be used to guide more personalized early therapy plans based on each child’s brain profile.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young children with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who are scheduled for cochlear implantation, especially English- or Spanish-learning children who can undergo routine pre-surgical MRI, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children who do not receive a cochlear implant, who cannot complete a pre-surgical MRI, or who have medical conditions that prevent participation in intensive language therapy may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help clinicians identify which children need more intensive early language therapy and tailor interventions to improve long-term spoken language outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked brain measures to cochlear implant outcomes, but using pre-surgical MRI plus AI to forecast individual language trajectories and predict response to therapy is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YOUNG, NANCY MELINDA — LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: YOUNG, NANCY MELINDA
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 below.