Evaluating Auditory and Cognitive Development in Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants Using fNIRS Study of Children Aged 10 Months to 7 Years Compared to Normally Hearing Peers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how perceptual skills and executive functions develop in children with cochlear implants compared to children with normal hearing. The study focuses on two groups children aged 10 to 24 months who are about to receive cochlear implants, and children aged 3 to 7 years who were implanted before 2 years of age. The goal is to understand brain activity and skill development over time using a special imaging technique called functional Near InfraRed Spectroscopy fNIRS. Children in both groups will participate in a series of five sessions over 18 months. During these sessions, they will complete four tasks designed to engage their perception and cognition, including watching videos, playing hiding games, and memory tasks. The fNIRS device, which uses a cap with sensors, will measure brain activity during these tasks. Speech and language assessments will be done at the start and after 12 months. This study is non-interventional, meaning no changes will be made to their usual care. Participants will be evaluated through brain imaging, cognitive and perceptual tasks, and speech assessments. The study will analyze changes in oxygen levels in the brain and look at how brain areas activate during tasks. Patients will continue their usual care with ear, nose, and throat specialists, and the study sessions will be scheduled to align with their regular medical visits. The total study duration for each child is 18 months, with no extra follow-up required after the study ends.

Restauration of the Auditory and Cognitive Functions in Cochlear Implanted Deaf Children in FNIRS