Using technology to help deaf children improve their language skills
Technology-assisted Language Intervention for Children Who Are Deaf/Hard-of-hearing (TALI)
This study is testing if using special technology can help deaf children aged 3-10 improve their language skills better than regular speech therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 114 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04857255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of augmentative and alternative communication technology for enhancing language development in children aged 3-10 with permanent bilateral hearing loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the technology-assisted language intervention or standard treatment. The goal is to determine if the technology can significantly improve language skills compared to traditional methods. The study focuses on children who are already receiving speech-language therapy and have documented language deficits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-10 with moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss and identified language deficits who are currently receiving speech-language therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with mild or unilateral hearing loss, significant motor impairments, or primary languages other than English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to significant improvements in language development for deaf or hard of hearing children.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology-assisted interventions for language development in similar populations, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 3-10 years * Documented permanent bilateral hearing loss with severity levels clinically defined moderate to profound). * Identified with a language deficit, defined by either the ratio of language standard scores to nonverbal intelligence quotient \<.85 or a differences in nonverbal IQ and language standard scores of 10 points. Language scores may either be receptive or expressive. * Currently receiving speech-language therapy. Exclusion Criteria: Mild hearing loss and unilateral hearing loss * primary language other than English * significant motor impairments * nonverbal IQ \<80 * children with severe communication disorders (i.e. autism spectrum disorders).
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations
- Children's Hospital of Colorado — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jareen Meinzen-Derr — Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Jareen Meinzen-Derr, PhD
- Email: jareen.meinzen-derr@cchmc.org
- Phone: 513-636-7789
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.