Communication support for deaf and hard-of-hearing toddlers
Early communication intervention for deaf/hard of hearing toddlers: Long-term language and literacy outcomes
This project teaches parents practical strategies to help young deaf or hard-of-hearing children build language and reading skills for better long-term outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11227031 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your toddler would receive parent coaching that teaches practical ways to support your child's early language learning. The team previously completed a large randomized trial showing parents can learn these strategies and that children's communication improved. In this phase they follow children long-term into preschool and early elementary school and track spoken language and literacy development. Participation involves parent training sessions, standardized child language and reading measures, and scheduled in-person or remote follow-up visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are deaf or hard-of-hearing toddlers and their caregivers, especially children identified early and using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Not a fit: Older children outside the early-toddler period or families who cannot take part in coaching sessions are less likely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help deaf and hard-of-hearing children develop stronger language and reading skills and narrow gaps with hearing peers.
How similar studies have performed: A previous large randomized clinical trial of this parent-implemented communication approach produced positive child communication gains that continued into preschool.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Megan Y — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Megan Y
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.