Improving music and speech perception for cochlear implant users

Encoding Temporal Fine Structure for Cochlear Implants

Not applicable Interventional University of Southern California · NCT04708717

This study is testing a new way to help cochlear implant users hear music and speech better by improving how they perceive sound details that are usually missed.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern California Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT04708717 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the ability of cochlear implant users to perceive music and speech by restoring the temporal fine structure of sound, which is often lost in conventional cochlear implants. The research investigates how cochlear implant users can learn to utilize this information when it is provided clearly and consistently. It focuses on two main aims: the impact of stimulation place and rate on pitch perception, and the effectiveness of dynamic-rate stimulation compared to traditional methods. The study employs a combination of perceptual learning, psychophysics, electrophysiology, and computational modeling to explore the plasticity of pitch perception in these users.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult cochlear implant users aged 18 and older.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 18 years or do not use cochlear implants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life for cochlear implant users by enhancing their ability to perceive music and speech.

How similar studies have performed: While attempts have been made to restore temporal fine structure in cochlear implants, this approach is unique and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cochlear implant users.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18 years.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 LossCochlear Implants
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.