Using personalized music to reduce emergence delirium in children

Decreasing Emergence Delirium With Personalized Music

PHASE1; PHASE2 · Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06236477

This study is testing if playing personalized music for kids aged 3-9 during ear surgery can help reduce confusion and agitation as they wake up from anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 9 Years
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine (other)
Locations1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06236477 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of personalized music in reducing emergence agitation in children aged 3-9 undergoing myringotomy procedures. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care or personalized music during their perioperative period. The study will assess the incidence of emergence agitation using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale, as well as evaluate preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, and behavioral changes through various validated scales. The goal is to determine if personalized music can improve the overall experience and outcomes for pediatric patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-9 years scheduled for unilateral or bilateral myringotomy under general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have an interest in music or have hearing impairments that prevent them from perceiving music may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce emergence delirium and improve recovery experiences for children undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using music therapy in various medical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Child aged 3-9 years
* Presenting for unilateral or bilateral myringotomy under GA

Exclusion Criteria:

* Combined procedures
* Lack of interest in music (e.g., child who does not have musical preferences)
* Inability to hear music (patients with mild-moderate hearing loss who can perceive music will be included)
* Parent/guardian or patient refusal

Where this trial is running

Saint Louis, Missouri

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Emergence Delirium, Anesthesia, Music, Pediatric Anesthesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.