Hearing loss as a window into how language develops from infancy to school age
Official title: Hearing loss as a model system to understand neural and environmental predictors of language development from infancy to school entry
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11396664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using hearing loss as a natural guide to understand why some children develop language skills while others don’t, with a focus on kids from infancy to school entry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,194,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2DC024809-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are infants and young children with hearing loss and developmental concerns who are followed over time.
✕Less likely to help
Children without hearing loss or developmental challenges may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project follows young children with similar hearing loss to see how their brains and everyday experiences shape language growth over time. Researchers will observe children in real-life settings rather than just in labs, tracking how they learn and adapt as they grow. By watching natural learning unfold, the study aims to uncover factors that help or hinder language development in early childhood. The results could explain why developmental differences occur in autism and other conditions and point to ways to support families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: The findings could lead to better early support and resources to boost language development for children at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that real-time observation of learning can reveal dynamic changes not captured in labs, supporting the value of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cychosz, Margaret Emilyn — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cychosz, Margaret Emilyn
Related research
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Choosing the right hearing device for kids with moderate-to-severe hearing loss
This grant explores which hearing device—hearing aids or cochlear implants—works best for children aged 0-11 with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and brain-to-ear feedback in hearing protection
A small, patient-friendly study will look at how loud noise changes the brain’s control over hearing and whether this affects conditions like tinnitus or sensitivity to sound.
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How loud noise can change the brain's sound decisions
This project looks at how loud noise-related hearing loss may affect how people process sounds and make quick decisions about what they hear.
-
Understanding how tactile language and wearable tech can help DeafBlind children learn and use language
A study at Gallaudet University tests a new tactile language and wearable haptic devices to help DeafBlind children build early language and everyday life skills.
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.