Understanding how cochlear implants affect speech processing in adults
Official title: Reliable measures of functional cortical processing of speech in adult cochlear-implant recipients
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11052639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different people's brains respond to speech and how that affects the success of cochlear implants for adults with severe hearing loss, using a special imaging technique to help make treatments more tailored to each person.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,876 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021262-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have received cochlear implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cochlear implants or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual differences in the brain's response to speech affect the outcomes of cochlear implants in adults with severe hearing loss. Using a new non-invasive imaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the study aims to measure brain activity related to speech processing in cochlear implant recipients. By focusing on single-subject measurements, the research seeks to improve the reliability of these assessments and better understand the factors that influence speech recognition success. This knowledge could lead to more personalized approaches in cochlear implant therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cochlear implants, leading to improved speech recognition for recipients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using fNIRS has shown promise in understanding brain activity, but this specific approach to improving reliability in cochlear implant recipients is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shader, Maureen Joyce — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Shader, Maureen Joyce
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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.