NIH-funded research R01 grant

How sound processing in the ear and brain relates to education and well-being in adolescents living with HIV

Official title: How sound processing in the ear and brain relates to educational outcomes, mental health, and quality of life in adolescents living with HIV

Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11474074 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project looks at how hearing and brain processing of sounds relate to reading, mental health, and quality of life for teens living with HIV.

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Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project startAugust 16, 2018
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$132,292
NIH project number3R01HD095277-08S1
Project IDNIH-11474074 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adolescents living with HIV, and a comparison group of HIV-exposed but uninfected or unexposed peers, in settings similar to Dar es Salaam.

Less likely to help

Teens without HIV or those not experiencing neurocognitive or literacy challenges may see limited direct benefit.

What this research studies

In adolescents with HIV, despite good medication, neurocognitive delays and literacy challenges can affect daily life. The study follows a group of children with and without HIV in Dar es Salaam to see if central auditory processing tests can predict literacy, behavior, and cognitive outcomes. Central auditory tests measure how well the brain processes complex sounds, which may link to reading skills and overall functioning. The researchers aim to understand whether early sound-processing differences can signal the need for supportive interventions in resource-limited settings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide earlier identification of learning and behavioral supports for HIV-affected youth and inform interventions to improve literacy and life outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows links between auditory processing and literacy in children, suggesting potential for this approach in HIV-affected youth, but more data in LMICs are needed.

Where this research is happening

  • Dartmouth College
    Hanover, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Buckey, Jay C — Dartmouth College
  • Study coordinator: Buckey, Jay C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.