How background noise affects preschool children's word learning

Effects of background noise on word learning in preschool-age children

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-10873807

This study looks at how different kinds of background noise, like chatter or traffic sounds, can affect preschool kids' ability to learn new words, helping us understand why some children might struggle more than others in noisy places.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10873807 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how chronic exposure to background noise impacts the ability of preschool-age children to learn new words. It examines various types of noise, such as environmental sounds and background speech, and how these affect children's cognitive processes like attention and memory. By understanding the relationship between noise and vocabulary development, the study aims to identify factors that may make some children more vulnerable to these negative effects. The research employs a combination of observational and experimental methods to gather data on children's word learning in different noisy environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-age children, particularly those who may be frequently exposed to background noise in their daily environments.

Not a fit: Children who are not regularly exposed to background noise or who have no language development concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that improve language development in children exposed to noisy environments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that background noise can negatively impact language perception and learning, but this specific investigation into preschool word learning is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.