Investigating how social factors influence speech learning in infants with hearing loss
Social Influences on Sensorimotor Integration of Speech Production and Perception During Early Vocal Learning
This study is testing how social interactions can help babies with hearing loss learn to speak better compared to babies with normal hearing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Months to 24 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05634356 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the impact of social interactions on speech production and perception in infants aged 7 to 18 months, focusing on those with typical hearing and those with sensorineural hearing loss. The research involves a free play session where parents are prompted to say simple nonsense words, followed by playback of those words to the infants. The hypothesis is that social reinforcement will enhance vocal learning in infants with hearing loss beyond the benefits of improved hearing. The study aims to understand how social feedback affects the vocal development of infants, particularly those with hearing impairments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include infants aged 7 to 16 months with typical hearing, hearing loss, or hearing loss managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Not a fit: Infants who are not exposed to English or Spanish at home or do not have a participating parent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for enhancing speech learning in infants with hearing loss through social interaction.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on social feedback in infants with hearing loss is novel, related studies have shown the importance of social interactions in vocal learning.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * infants ca. 7-16 months of age at study onset * Infants less than 24 months of age (for follow-up visits only) * At least one English-speaking or Spanish-speaking parent in the home who can participate in the study * Subjects will include infants with typical hearing, hearing loss, or hearing loss remediated by a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Exclusion Criteria: * infants who are not exposed to English or Spanish in the home * infants who do not have a parent who can participate in the study will be excluded (Caregivers who are not parents will not be eligible to participate in the study)
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah W Bottjer, Ph.D. — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Sarah W Bottjer, Ph.D.
- Email: bottjer@usc.edu
- Phone: 213-740-9183
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.