Understanding how our brains process the sound of our own voice

High-resolution functional imaging of speech-induced sensory modulation

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11136335

This project aims to understand how our brains adjust to hearing our own speech, using advanced brain imaging in adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11136335 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

When we speak, our brains automatically adjust how they hear our own voice, a process called speech-induced sensory modulation. This helps us monitor our speech and make corrections. This project uses a very powerful brain imaging technique called 7T fMRI, along with EEG, to get a detailed look at which brain areas are active when people speak and listen to themselves. By having participants perform various speech and listening tasks, researchers hope to map the specific brain circuits involved in this process. The goal is to build a clearer picture of how our brains predict and process the sounds we make.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults, 21 years or older, who are interested in participating in brain imaging and speech tasks.

Not a fit: Patients with severe speech impairments or conditions that prevent them from performing auditory-motor tasks may not receive direct benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding how the brain processes self-generated speech could eventually help people with speech disorders or conditions where speech perception is altered.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using other brain imaging methods have shown that the brain's response to self-generated speech is reduced, and this project aims to build on that knowledge with higher resolution imaging.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 2026-06-13 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.