PET Imaging to Study How Cochlear Implant Users Understand Speech in Noisy Places Including Comparison with People with Normal Hearing

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how people with cochlear implants understand speech in noisy environments, aiming to uncover the brain mechanisms involved. The study compares cochlear implant users with typical hearing individuals to identify brain regions linked to speech-in-noise effort. This research uses PET neuroimaging with a radioactive tracer called O-15 to examine brain blood flow during auditory tasks in a single session. Participants include experienced cochlear implant users who have had their device activated for over a year and age-matched individuals with normal hearing. The study involves a single PETCT scan session where participants undergo auditory stimulation to measure brain activity related to speech understanding in noise. Typical hearing participants provide a baseline for comparison. During the study, participants will have a PET scan using an injected radioactive water tracer to assess brain blood flow while listening to speech in noise. Researchers will measure brain activity to identify areas involved in processing speech under challenging conditions. The main outcome is to find cortical regions linked to speech-in-noise understanding in cochlear implant users. Participation involves one visit with neuroimaging and informed consent procedures, with monitoring for any safety concerns related to the tracer injection.

Cochlear Implant Speech in Noise Processing