Understanding how cochlear implants affect hearing in children and adults

Development and Assessment of Listener-tailored Programming for Cochlear Implant Listeners

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NCT05867173

This study is trying to see how cochlear implants help both children and adults hear better and how they adjust to the changes over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages3 Months and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05867173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to explore the effects of cochlear implants on the auditory system in both children and adults. It focuses on improving programming methods for cochlear implants and studying the adaptation process of listeners to new programming over time. By analyzing how cochlear implants influence speech perception outcomes, the study seeks to enhance clinical practices and ultimately improve hearing results for users. The research involves experimental speech processing strategies tailored to individual needs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults and children aged 6 months and older who are native speakers of American English and use specific cochlear implant models.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot provide informed consent or do not meet specific inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved hearing outcomes for cochlear implant users.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving cochlear implant outcomes through tailored programming approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Research Subjects with a Cochlear Implant ADULTS Inclusion Criteria

* Adult at least 18 years old
* Native speakers of American English
* Wears a cochlear implant manufactured by Advanced Bionics (Clarion Hi-Focus I or newer), Cochlear, or MED-EL

CHILDREN Inclusion Criteria

* Children at least 3 months old
* Native speakers of American English
* Wears a cochlear implant manufactured by Advanced Bionics (Clarion Hi-Focus I or newer), Cochlear, or MED-EL

  * For both children and adults with a cochlear implant, some study criteria might pertain to a subset of subjects, such as a specific age at which the subjects developed a hearing loss, or was implanted.

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion for all Cochlear Implant Subjects:

* Inability to provide informed consent
* Does not meet the inclusion criteria for a specific study protocol, such as age of onset of hearing loss, age of cochlear implantation, duration of deafness, number of active electrodes in the cochlear implant device
* Unable to carry out the study protocol or tasks required in the study

Exclusion for all Normal Hearing Subjects:

* Inability to provide informed consent
* Hearing loss, or significant history of hearing related issues
* Unable to carry out the study protocol or tasks required in the study

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

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 Deafness
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.