How the brain helps people with cochlear implants understand speech
Individual differences in brain networks supporting speech understanding in patients with cochlear implants
This work looks at how adults with cochlear implants use different brain systems to understand speech, especially when there is background noise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237972 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, researchers will give adults with cochlear implants listening tests that include speech in quiet and noisy places and tasks that measure attention and memory. They will pair those behavioral tests with functional brain imaging using methods that work around the implant. By comparing people who do well with those who struggle, they aim to identify the brain networks that support comprehension. The results may point to personalized rehabilitation approaches or tests to predict outcomes after implantation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who already have a cochlear implant and can complete listening tests and undergo the compatible brain imaging used in the project.
Not a fit: People without cochlear implants, children, or anyone unable to undergo the imaging procedures used (for medical or safety reasons) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better rehab techniques or tools to predict which patients will get the most benefit from cochlear implants.
How similar studies have performed: Behavioral studies have shown cognition affects speech understanding, but imaging near implants has been limited, so this project uses newer imaging approaches to address that gap.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peelle, Jonathan E — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Peelle, Jonathan E
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.