Improving communication for older adults with cochlear implants through social networks
Official title: Social Networks for Optimizing Communication Ability in Adult Cochlear Implant Users
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11195594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the friendships and social connections of adults over 65 with cochlear implants can help them communicate better, aiming to find ways to improve their speech and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $612,456 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG089200-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who have recently received cochlear implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not use cochlear implants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social networks influence the communication abilities of adults over 65 who have received cochlear implants. It aims to understand the social, cognitive, and linguistic processes that enhance speech communication after the restoration of hearing. By examining the interactions and relationships within these social networks, the study seeks to identify factors that can be modified to improve communication outcomes for cochlear implant users. The approach includes assessing individual differences in speech recognition and quality of life related to hearing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication skills and enhanced quality of life for older adults using cochlear implants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social interactions significantly impact communication outcomes in various populations, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamati, Terrin Nichole — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tamati, Terrin Nichole
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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.