Understanding how seeing a speaker's face affects listening effort for people with hearing loss

Listening Effort and Gaze Strategies During Audiovisual Speech Perception

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10994158

This study looks at how watching a speaker's face can make it easier and less tiring for people with hearing loss, especially those using cochlear implants, to understand conversations, and it aims to find better ways to help them communicate in everyday situations.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10994158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how visual cues from a speaker's face can reduce listening effort and fatigue for individuals with hearing loss, particularly those using cochlear implants. The study will explore how listeners engage with visual speech cues during real-life conversations, focusing on eye gaze behavior and its relationship to speech perception effort. By examining these dynamics, the research aims to enhance communication strategies for individuals facing challenges in auditory environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hearing loss, particularly those using cochlear implants.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication strategies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that visual cues can improve speech intelligibility, suggesting potential success for this approach.

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.