Evaluating hearing aid effectiveness in children using brain imaging

Use of Near-infrared Functional Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in the Evaluation of Hearing Rehabilitation in Children With Hearing Aid(s)

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Lille · NCT04696835

This study is testing how well hearing aids work for young children with hearing loss by looking at their brain activity when they hear speech.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 18 Months
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Lille Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lille)
Trial IDNCT04696835 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess brain activity in response to speech stimuli in both normo-hearing and deaf children with cochlear implants. It aims to observe hemodynamic changes that indicate brain responses, which could help in understanding the effectiveness of hearing aids in young children. The study is non-controlled and non-randomized, focusing on infants and toddlers aged 3 to 18 months. By utilizing fNIRS, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to better management strategies for childhood hearing loss.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include infants and toddlers aged 3 to 18 months, both with normal hearing and those with sensorineural hearing loss fitted with hearing aids.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions that prevent compliance with research protocols may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the management and rehabilitation of hearing loss in children, leading to improved auditory outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of fNIRS in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in assessing brain activity related to auditory stimuli.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Group A: Infants and toddlers 3-18 months of age who are normal hearing.
* Group B: Infants and toddlers aged 3 to 18 months with sensorineural hearing loss fitted with a unilateral or bilateral hearing aid with optimized adjustments by the hearing healthcare professional.
* Socially insured subject
* Parents or guardians who have given their consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical condition that does not allow for research compliance.

Where this trial is running

Lille

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 LossNIRShearing aidpediatricscochlear implantrehabilitationneuroimaging
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.