Understanding how the brain processes speech
Flexible Representation of Speech in the Supratemporal Plane
This study is trying to see how our brains understand speech in different situations, like with background noise or different accents, by looking at brain activity in people who have electrodes placed in their brains.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05209386 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This exploratory research aims to investigate the flexible nature of speech processing in the human brain, specifically within the supratemporal plane. By utilizing stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG), the study will assess neural responses to acoustic-phonetic dimensions, such as voice onset time and fundamental frequency, under varying listening contexts. The research will also explore how these responses are influenced by background noise and accents, while using control electrodes to identify other brain regions involved in speech processing. This study seeks to enhance our understanding of speech perception and its neural underpinnings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 15-25 who are fluent in English and undergoing sEEG placement for epilepsy localization or language mapping.
Not a fit: Patients with intellectual disabilities or severe language and auditory cognitive dysfunction may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for individuals with speech processing impairments.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding speech processing through direct neural measurements.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals 15-25 years old * Undergoing sEEG placement in the supratemporal plane for clinically necessary localization of epileptic foci or language mapping * Fluent English speakers * Cognition and speech-language skills within normal limits (as determined by evaluation prior to surgery) * Normal or correct-to-normal visual acuity * Normal hearing acuity in each ear (as determined by audiometric assessment) * No history of autism or ADHD Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with intellectual disabilities * Abnormal epileptiform activity in the supratemporal plane * Lack of fluent English comprehension/production * Severe language or auditory-specific cognitive dysfunction * History of autism or ADHD
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Taylor J Abel, MD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Taylor J Abel, MD
- Email: abeltj@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-692-8142
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.