How adults with cochlear implants' brains process speech
Reliable measures of functional cortical processing of speech in adult cochlear-implant recipients
This project uses a safe, implant‑compatible brain scan to see how adults with cochlear implants process speech.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323564 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a noninvasive optical brain imaging method called functional near‑infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) that works with cochlear implants to record speech‑evoked brain activity. The team will focus on single‑person recordings and remove interference from heart rate and other physiological signals to improve reliability for each participant. Adult cochlear‑implant users will complete listening tasks while wearing the fNIRS cap during in‑person visits. The goal is to produce measurements that could eventually help explain why some people get more speech benefit from implants than others.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who have a cochlear implant and can take part in noninvasive brain imaging sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children, people without cochlear implants, or patients unable to sit still for recordings are unlikely to benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help predict who will gain the most speech understanding from a cochlear implant and guide personalized rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous fNIRS work in cochlear‑implant users has produced promising group‑level results, but reliably measuring responses in single individuals is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shader, Maureen Joyce — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Shader, Maureen Joyce
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.