Understanding reading in deaf and hard-of-hearing kids using listening devices
Official title: MODELING ADOLESCENT READING IN CHILDREN WHO USE COCHLEAR IMPLANTS OR HEARING AIDS
Funded at Father Flanagan's Boys' Home · NIH-11449129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how early language and reading skills relate to literacy in deaf and hard-of-hearing children who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boys Town, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $656,908 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022886-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing and use cochlear implants or hearing aids, in the early school years.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not have hearing loss or do not use amplification may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The project follows DHH children who rely on amplification to learn spoken language and aims to map how early language, sound processing, and print knowledge connect to reading success. It uses translational approaches to identify which children are most at risk for language and literacy difficulties as they move into middle school. The findings could lead to better early indicators and targeted supports for reading development in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help educators and clinicians tailor early interventions to improve literacy outcomes for DHH children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows variability in literacy outcomes among DHH children despite amplification.
Where this research is happening
-
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
Boys Town, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Werfel, Krystal L. — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Werfel, Krystal L.
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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.