Early Communication Intervention for Toddlers with Hearing Loss
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a parent-led communication program designed to help toddlers with hearing loss improve their language skills. It teaches parents strategies to support their child's communication development through weekly home sessions over six months. The trial includes children with hearing loss who are 12 to 18 months old, have no additional disabilities, and live in homes where English is the primary language. Parents of eligible children will learn techniques to enhance their child's language abilities, such as modeling language and responding to communication attempts. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to developing effective communication strategies for toddlers with hearing loss.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that the Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention (PICT) is safe for toddlers with hearing loss?
Research has shown that teaching parents communication support strategies can positively impact how children with hearing loss communicate. In previous studies, parents who learned these strategies helped their children improve communication skills without any safety issues. The Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention (PICT) employs techniques that are visual, interactive, responsive, and encourage language development. These are not medical treatments, so they carry very low risk. Since this intervention is now in a Phase 2 trial, it has already passed initial safety checks in earlier research, indicating it is generally well-tolerated.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
The Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention (PICT) is unique because it empowers parents to play an active role in their toddler's communication development right at home. Unlike traditional therapies that often require clinical settings and professional intervention, PICT involves parents learning specific strategies to support their child's language development in everyday interactions. Researchers are excited about PICT because it focuses on visual, interactive, responsive, and linguistically stimulating techniques, which could lead to more natural and consistent language learning opportunities for toddlers with hearing loss. This approach not only personalizes the intervention but also has the potential to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment for the child.
What evidence suggests that the Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention (PICT) might be effective for improving language outcomes in toddlers with hearing loss?
Research has shown that the Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention (PICT), which participants in this trial may receive, can greatly improve communication skills in children with hearing loss. In earlier studies, parents who used the PICT method helped their children develop early language skills. The program teaches parents strategies such as speaking where their child can see them and responding to all their child's communication attempts. These techniques have enhanced the child's ability to communicate and understand language. Overall, early findings suggest that PICT could lead to better language development for children with hearing loss.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Megan Y Roberts, PhD
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for toddlers aged 12-18 months with bilateral, congenital hearing loss. They should have no other disabilities like Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, and English must be the primary language spoken at home. One parent must have normal hearing, and the child should already be exposed to some spoken language.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive weekly, 1-hour intervention sessions for 6 months focusing on communication support strategies
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for language development outcomes after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- No Intervention - Business-as-usual control
- Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention (PICT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Collaborator