Understanding how deaf and hard-of-hearing children read
Brain Mechanisms underlying skilled reading in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children with different communication modes
This study is looking at how the brains of deaf and hard-of-hearing kids, aged 10 to 15, work when they read, especially to see if using sign language or spoken language makes a difference, and it will follow them for two years to understand how their reading skills and brain development change over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10691274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that support reading in deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, focusing on how these mechanisms may differ based on their communication modes, such as sign language or spoken language. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study examines children aged 10 to 15 to identify the neural pathways involved in reading and how these pathways may change over time. By following participants over two years, the research aims to uncover the relationship between reading skills and brain development, providing insights into why some DHH children excel in reading while others struggle.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are deaf and hard-of-hearing children aged 10 to 15 who use various communication modes.
Not a fit: Children who are not deaf or hard-of-hearing or those outside the age range of 10 to 15 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved reading interventions tailored for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, enhancing their literacy skills.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding reading mechanisms in hearing children, but this approach focusing on DHH children is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Booth, James R — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Booth, James R
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 below.