Understanding how cochlear implants affect the perception of vocal tone.

Prosody perception in cochlear implant listeners

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11078656

This study looks at how cochlear implants help people understand the tone and pitch of voices, which are important for picking up on emotions and context in conversations, and aims to find ways to improve communication for those using these devices.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11078656 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how cochlear implants impact the ability to perceive vocal prosody, which includes the tone and pitch of speech that convey emotional and contextual meaning. It aims to identify the challenges faced by cochlear implant users in understanding these vocal cues, which are crucial for effective communication. By developing better assessment tools focused on prosody perception, the research seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals with cochlear implants. The methodology involves evaluating the performance of cochlear implant users in recognizing vocal inflections and their correlation with communication success.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use cochlear implants and experience difficulties in understanding vocal prosody.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use cochlear implants or have normal hearing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication outcomes and quality of life for cochlear implant users by enhancing their ability to understand vocal tone and intention.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that focusing on vocal prosody can significantly improve communication outcomes for cochlear implant users, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.