Investigating how speaking affects brain activity related to hearing

High-resolution functional imaging of speech-induced sensory modulation

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10931583

This study is looking at how our brains work when we talk versus when we just listen, using special imaging to see what happens in our brains during different sound tasks, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about how we produce and understand speech.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931583 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to understand how the brain processes sounds when we speak compared to when we listen passively. Using advanced imaging techniques, specifically 7T fMRI, the study will measure brain activity in participants as they engage in various auditory-motor tasks. By examining the connections between speech planning areas and auditory regions, the research seeks to uncover how our brain predicts the sensory outcomes of our speech movements. This could lead to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in speech production and perception.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adults aged 21 and older who are healthy and have no history of neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with severe speech or hearing impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of speech processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for speech and auditory disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using EEG and MEG have provided insights into speech processing, but this approach using high-resolution fMRI is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.