Understanding how children with hearing loss develop language through social interactions

Language Development and Social Interaction in Children with Hearing Loss

NIH-funded research University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-11020942

This study looks at how children with hearing loss interact with their hearing friends in preschool to find out what helps them learn language better, using cool technology to track their conversations and movements.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-11020942 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the vocal interactions of children with hearing loss and their typically hearing peers to identify factors that support language development. By using advanced technology to measure interactions in inclusive preschool classrooms, the study aims to understand how social contact influences language skills. The project will involve 125 children, including those with cochlear implants or hearing aids, and will analyze their movements and audio recordings to capture meaningful interactions. The goal is to provide insights that can enhance language learning for children with hearing loss.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 2 to 4 years with hearing loss who use cochlear implants or hearing aids, as well as their typically hearing peers.

Not a fit: Children who do not have hearing loss or are outside the age range of 2 to 4 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for fostering language development in children with hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social interactions can positively impact language development in children, making this approach promising and relevant.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, 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.