Technology-assisted Language Intervention (TALI)

Launched by CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, CINCINNATI · Apr 21, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Technology-assisted Language Intervention (TALI) clinical trial is studying how special communication technology can help children who are deaf or hard of hearing improve their language skills. This trial will involve children aged 3 to 10 years with moderate to profound permanent hearing loss who are already receiving speech therapy. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will use the technology designed to assist with communication, while the other will continue with their usual treatment.

To be eligible for this study, children must have a documented hearing loss and a language delay. Some children who might not qualify include those with only mild hearing loss, those whose primary language is not English, or those with certain severe communication challenges. If your child participates, they can expect to receive either the new technology intervention or standard care, all while being part of a research study that aims to find better ways to support children with hearing loss in developing their language skills.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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).