Assessing hearing and pupil response in children with hearing impairment

Using Pupillometry to Assess Hearing Thresholds in Young Children With Hearing Impairment

Observational IRCCS Burlo Garofolo · NCT06317493

This study is testing if measuring how much children's pupils dilate can help us understand their hearing abilities better, especially for those using cochlear implants.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages4 Months to 36 Months
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Burlo Garofolo Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Padova and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06317493 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between pupil dilation and hearing thresholds in children with hearing impairments, particularly those using cochlear implants. The researchers hypothesize that perceived sounds will cause greater pupil dilation compared to non-perceived sounds, and that these responses will correlate with hearing thresholds measured through pure tone audiometry. By confirming these hypotheses, the study aims to develop a standardized procedure for auditory signal detection using pupillometry, which could enhance the assessment and rehabilitation of young children with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4 to 36 months with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and no relevant neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with developmental disorders or those unwilling to participate will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate assessments of auditory thresholds in young children, improving their post-operative care and rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promising results in using pupillometry for auditory assessments, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
* No history of relevant neurological or psychiatric concomitant disease
* Age: 4-36 months
* At least 1 months of more after initial fitting of the CI or hearing aid (only for aided subjects)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Developmental disorders
* Unwillingness of the subject to participate further

Where this trial is running

Padova and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hearing Impaired ChildrenPupillometryHearing thresholdPediatric cochlear implants
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.