NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how cochlear implants improve daily life for patients

Official title: Interpreting Functional Cochlear Implant Outcomes for Individual Patients

Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10861919 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how cochlear implants help people in their everyday lives and improve their ability to communicate, so we can create better ways for patients to share their experiences and understand the full benefits of these devices.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$496,794
NIH project number5R01DC020709-02
Project IDNIH-10861919 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have received cochlear implants and are looking to improve their communication and daily living skills.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not candidates for cochlear implantation or those who have not undergone the procedure may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the real-world impact of cochlear implants on patients' daily activities and communication abilities. It aims to develop and validate new patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that go beyond traditional speech recognition metrics, focusing instead on how cochlear implants enhance social engagement and overall quality of life. By combining these new measures with existing speech recognition assessments, the research seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits of cochlear implantation. This approach will help clinicians better monitor patient progress and make informed treatment decisions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved assessment tools that better reflect the everyday benefits of cochlear implants for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing patient-reported outcomes can significantly improve understanding of treatment impacts, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Medical University of South Carolina
    Charleston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mcrackan, Theodore Richardson — Medical University of South Carolina
  • Study coordinator: Mcrackan, Theodore Richardson

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.