Exploring how aging affects speech comprehension and hearing loss
Official title: Understanding Individual Differences in Acoustic-Phonetic and Contextual Cue Use In Aging
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10887455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how older adults with hearing loss understand speech differently, focusing on whether they use hints from the situation or sounds to help them understand what’s being said, so we can find better ways to support their hearing needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | August 22, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,090 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021372-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887455 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 75 and above who are experiencing varying degrees of hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual differences in older adults influence their ability to understand speech, particularly in the context of age-related hearing loss. It examines whether some individuals rely more on contextual cues while others depend on acoustic-phonetic cues to comprehend speech. The study involves testing participants through various tasks, including audiometric tests and EEG recordings, to identify patterns in cue usage and their impact on speech comprehension. By understanding these differences, the research aims to inform more tailored treatment strategies for hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment plans for older adults experiencing hearing loss, enhancing their communication abilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding speech comprehension through similar methodologies, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crinnion, Anne Marie — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Crinnion, Anne Marie
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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.