Examining how vestibular loss affects reading in children with hearing loss
Reading Outcomes in Children With Vestibular Loss
This study is trying to see how balance problems affect reading skills in children who also have hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Father Flanagan's Boys' Home Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Trial ID | NCT05414903 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the impact of vestibular loss on reading outcomes in children who also have hearing loss. It aims to understand how vestibular loss, which affects balance and visual acuity, may contribute to reading difficulties. By assessing children with varying degrees of hearing loss and vestibular function, the study seeks to establish a link between vestibular deficits and academic performance. The findings could lead to improved identification and support strategies for children facing these dual sensory challenges.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children with hearing loss who also exhibit signs of vestibular loss and have nonverbal problem-solving/intelligence scores within a specified range.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with significant neurological disorders, uncorrectable vision problems, or those taking medications that affect oculomotor function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance educational strategies and interventions for children with hearing loss and vestibular loss, improving their reading skills.
How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between vestibular loss and reading outcomes has been speculated, this study represents a novel approach to understanding this connection.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children will be required to have nonverbal problem-solving/intelligence scores within 1.5 SD of the mean (mean = 100, SD = 15, 1.5 SD of mean = 77 - 123). * Children with normal hearing must have thresholds ≤20 dB HL from 0.25 to 8 kHz. * Children with hearing loss must have pure-tone averages \> 65 dB HL. Exclusion Criteria: * Fail a vision screen at 20/30 * Have autism, blindness, or other optic disorders, cerebral palsy, significant neurologic involvement, uncorrectable vision problems, and intellectual disability. * Children with nonverbal problem-solving/intelligence scores \> 123 or \< 77 will be excluded. * Each participant's current medications will be reviewed. Children taking medications known to result in oculomotor slowing will be excluded (i.e., anti-depressants, vestibular suppressants, sedatives, etc).
Where this trial is running
Omaha, Nebraska
- Boys Town National Research Hospital — Omaha, Nebraska, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristen L Janky, PhD — Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
- Study coordinator: Kristen L Janky, PhD
- Email: kristen.janky@boystown.org
- Phone: 15313556535
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.