Understanding how aging affects hearing and speech in older cochlear implant users

Peripheral and central contributions to auditory temporal processing deficits and speech understanding in older cochlear implantees

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11098442

This study looks at how getting older affects the way people with cochlear implants hear and understand sounds, so we can find better ways to help older adults enjoy clearer hearing.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11098442 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how age-related changes in the auditory system impact the ability of older cochlear implant users to process sounds and understand speech. By examining both peripheral (ear-related) and central (brain-related) factors, the study aims to identify the specific contributions of each to hearing difficulties experienced by this population. The researchers will utilize cochlear implants to gather data on how these factors influence speech perception and temporal processing. Ultimately, the goal is to develop strategies to improve hearing outcomes for older adults with cochlear implants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who use cochlear implants and experience difficulties with speech understanding.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not use cochlear implants may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved speech understanding and auditory processing for older cochlear implant users.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding auditory processing in cochlear implant users, but this study aims to provide new insights into age-related factors, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

College Park, 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 2026-06-15 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.