Comparing speech perception in infants with and without hearing aids
Assessing Speech Perception and Amplification Benefit During Infancy
This study tests how well infants with hearing loss can understand speech with and without hearing aids to see if the aids help them hear better like their peers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Months to 36 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT05653999 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess speech discrimination abilities in infants with hearing loss compared to those with typical hearing. The researchers will evaluate how infants perform in speech perception tasks while using hearing aids (aided condition) versus without them (unaided condition). The hypothesis is that infants with hearing loss will show improved performance with amplification, potentially matching the abilities of their typically hearing peers. The study will include infants aged 6 to 36 months and will utilize visual reinforcement audiometry for testing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants aged 6 to 36 months with diagnosed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss or those with typical hearing.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with auditory neuropathy or secondary disabilities that affect hearing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how hearing aids improve speech perception in infants with hearing loss, leading to better early intervention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in assessing the benefits of amplification in infants with hearing loss, making this approach both relevant and supported by prior findings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children between the ages of 6 months and 36 months (inclusive) at the time of enrollment. * English is the primary spoken language in the home * Demonstrated ability to complete a conditioned head turn via visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) * If normal hearing -Normal hearing sensitivity bilaterally * If Hearing Loss * Children with diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing ranging from mild to severe * Children currently using hearing aids * Children currently enrolled in intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Children born earlier than 35 weeks gestation * Children with abnormal tympanometry on the day of testing * Children with concerns of secondary disabilities * Children with Auditory Neuropathy * Concerns of hearing loss in normal hearing children
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado School of Medicine - Speech Perception Over Time Lab — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristin M Uhler, PhD — University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kerry A Walker, AuD
- Email: kerry.walker@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 3037243022
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.