Understanding how children with cochlear implants process sound

Binaural processing and hearing in children with cochlear implants

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10992122

This study is looking at how kids with cochlear implants hear and understand sounds, especially how the age they got their implants and their listening experiences affect their hearing and thinking skills, and it’s designed for families with children who have hearing challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10992122 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how children with cochlear implants experience and process sound, particularly focusing on the effects of age at which they received their implants and their auditory experiences. By comparing children with cochlear implants to those with normal hearing, the study aims to uncover how these factors influence binaural hearing and cognitive functions. The research employs a combination of perceptual tests and electroencephalography (EEG) to measure auditory processing and cognitive abilities. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide insights that could improve outcomes for children with hearing impairments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have received bilateral cochlear implants.

Not a fit: Patients who have not received cochlear implants or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cochlear implants, leading to better auditory and cognitive outcomes for children with hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing in children with hearing impairments, making this study a continuation of established work in the field.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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 2026-06-09 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.