Vocal Emotion Communication With Cochlear Implants

Launched by FATHER FLANAGAN'S BOYS' HOME · Aug 2, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Vocal Emotion Communication With Cochlear Implants," is exploring how people with cochlear implants (CIs) understand and express emotions in speech. Many individuals with hearing loss struggle to recognize emotions in the voices of others, and this study aims to find out why. Researchers will focus on children who received CIs early in life, as well as adults who lost their hearing later on. By examining how these patients use different sounds to interpret emotions, the study hopes to improve communication for all CI users.

To participate, individuals must be either prelingually deaf children or postlingually deaf adults who have cochlear implants. The trial will also include normally hearing children and adults for comparison. Participants will undergo assessments to see how well they can perceive and express emotions in spoken language. This research could lead to better technology and treatment strategies, enhancing social interactions for those with hearing loss throughout their lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Prelingually deaf children with cochlear implants
• • Postlingually deaf adults with cochlear implants
• • Normally hearing children
• • Normally hearing adults
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Non-native speakers of American English
• • Prelingually deaf individuals who receive cochlear implants after age 12
• • Adults unable to pass a basic cognitive screen