Exploring language development in young deaf and hard of hearing children using American Sign Language and spoken English.

American Sign Language and Spoken English Development of Young Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10880916

This study looks at how using American Sign Language or spoken English helps young deaf and hard of hearing children learn language, so caregivers can make better choices about how to communicate with their kids and support their language growth.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880916 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how different communication modes, specifically American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English, affect the language development of young deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children. Caregivers often struggle with choosing the best communication method for their child, and this study aims to provide empirical evidence to guide those decisions. By analyzing data from a large source of ASL and English development, the research will characterize the language growth of DHH children with varying access to these languages. The goal is to identify effective interventions and ensure children meet their language development milestones.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are deaf or hard of hearing and their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not deaf or hard of hearing, or those who do not have access to ASL or spoken English, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide caregivers with evidence-based guidance on the most effective communication methods for their DHH children, leading to improved language outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the impact of different communication modes can significantly influence language development in DHH children, making this study a continuation of important work in the field.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.