How the brain processes speech over time and structure
Official title: Dynamic temporal integration of speech structure in the human brain
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11077286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains understand speech sounds, especially whether we focus more on when sounds happen or what they are made of, and it's aimed at helping people with hearing difficulties better understand speech.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,909 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing auditory processing difficulties or related neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal auditory processing abilities may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human brain integrates speech sounds, focusing on whether this integration is based on the timing of sounds or their structural components, like phonemes. By examining neural activity in the auditory cortex, the study aims to determine if there is a transition from processing sounds based on time to processing them based on their abstract structures. The researchers will use advanced computational models to analyze these processes and understand how auditory deficits may affect speech perception. This work could lead to better insights into auditory disorders and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of speech perception and lead to improved interventions for individuals with auditory processing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of time and structure in speech processing is a relatively novel area of investigation, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding auditory processing through computational modeling.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman-Haignere, Samuel V — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Norman-Haignere, Samuel V
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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.