Perceptual Consequences of Cochlear Implant Electrode-neuron Interfaces

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · May 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how cochlear implants, which are devices that help people with severe hearing loss, affect the way we hear speech. The researchers want to understand how these implants work in both children and adults, improve the ways cochlear implants are programmed, and see how quickly people adjust to new settings on their devices. By studying these factors, the aim is to enhance hearing outcomes for those who use cochlear implants.

To participate in this study, adults must be at least 18 years old and native speakers of American English, using specific models of cochlear implants. Children as young as 6 months old can also join if they meet similar language and device criteria. Participants will be involved in various tasks to help researchers gather important information about how cochlear implants can be optimized for better hearing. Overall, this study hopes to provide valuable insights that could lead to improved experiences for cochlear implant users.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Research Subjects with a Cochlear Implant ADULTS Inclusion Criteria
• • Adult at least 18 years old
• • Native speakers of American English
• • Wears a cochlear implant manufactured by Advanced Bionics (Clarion Hi-Focus I or newer), Cochlear, or MED-EL
• • CHILDREN Inclusion Criteria
• • Children at least 6 months old
• • Native speakers of American English
• • Wears a cochlear implant manufactured by Advanced Bionics (Clarion Hi-Focus I or newer), Cochlear, or MED-EL
• • For both children and adults with a cochlear implant, some study criteria might pertain to a subset of subjects, such as a specific age at which the subjects developed a hearing loss, or was implanted.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Exclusion for all Cochlear Implant Subjects:
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Does not meet the inclusion criteria for a specific study protocol, such as age of onset of hearing loss, age of cochlear implantation, duration of deafness, number of active electrodes in the cochlear implant device
• • Unable to carry out the study protocol or tasks required in the study
• Exclusion for all Normal Hearing Subjects:
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Hearing loss, or significant history of hearing related issues
• • Unable to carry out the study protocol or tasks required in the study