Speech Sound Stimulation for Language Disorder

Overseen By Taylor Abel, MD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

Disqualifiers: Significant impairment, Autism, ADHD

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how the brain processes speech sounds, with a focus on Heschl's gyrus. Researchers aim to understand how this area aids in speech comprehension by studying individuals who have undergone surgery on this part of the brain. The trial employs speech sound stimulation (also known as speech sound therapy or auditory feedback therapy) to collect data. It seeks English speakers aged 13-25 who have had surgery involving Heschl's gyrus and possess normal hearing and vision. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on speech processing in the brain.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this speech sound stimulation is safe?

Research shows that using sound to address speech and language problems is generally safe. Studies have found that these treatments can enhance language skills in children without causing harm. Strong evidence of serious negative side effects from this type of treatment is lacking.

Typically, treatments for speech problems are manageable, often involving simple activities like sound exercises or therapy sessions. Since this trial uses sound to aid speech, past research suggests it is likely safe. However, staying informed and discussing any concerns with the study team is always advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Speech sound stimulation is unique because it targets language disorders by directly activating the brain's auditory processing area, specifically Heschl's gyrus. Unlike traditional speech therapy, which often relies on repetitive practice and behavioral techniques, this approach leverages neural mechanisms to enhance language processing. Researchers are excited about this technique because it could offer a more efficient and potentially faster way to improve language skills, particularly for individuals who have undergone neurosurgery in this critical brain region.

What evidence suggests that speech sound stimulation is effective for language disorder?

Research shows that assisting children with speech sounds can enhance their speech and language skills. Studies have found that children who struggle with speech sounds often face difficulties with reading and writing later, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. This trial will focus on speech sound stimulation to improve the skills necessary for clear speech. Additionally, combined treatment programs for speech sound issues have successfully improved speech clarity and understanding, which are crucial for effective communication. These findings suggest that speech sound stimulation benefits individuals with language disorders. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Taylor Abel, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 13-25 with normal nonverbal IQ, vision, language skills, and hearing. They must be monolingual English speakers undergoing surgery for a lesion in Heschl's gyrus without autism or ADHD history.

Inclusion Criteria

Nonverbal IQ within normal limits

I have normal hearing in both ears.

I am between 13 and 25 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

History of autism or ADHD

I do not have any major health or mental issues preventing me from joining the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

sEEG-EEG Recording Sessions

Participants undergo sEEG-EEG recording sessions to measure pitch decoding accuracy, frequency-following response magnitude, and phase-locking limits

Up to 3 hours total

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for predictability effects of cortical resection on pitch decoding accuracy and frequency-following response magnitude

At least 6 months post-sEEG

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Speech sound stimulation

Trial Overview

The study aims to understand the role of the cortex in generating frequency-following responses (FFR) related to speech processing by using EEG recordings and creating a computational model.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Neurosurgical Patients Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patient participants with previously excised tissue within Heschl's gyrus (as dictated by clinical care)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Collaborator

Trials

377

Recruited

190,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Sound Production Treatment (SPT) was effective in improving the accuracy of speech sounds in 6 participants with acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) and aphasia, regardless of whether the treatment was presented in a blocked or random order.

The random presentation of treatment words (SPT-random) showed potential advantages in maintaining improvements for some participants, suggesting that different practice methods may influence treatment outcomes in AOS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sound production treatment: effects of blocked and random practice. Wambaugh, JL., Nessler, C., Wright, S., et al.[2016]

A motor-learning-based treatment using ultrasound visual feedback significantly improved speech sound accuracy in individuals with residual speech sound errors, as shown in a study with 8 participants over 14 sessions.

The addition of prosodic cueing did not significantly enhance the treatment's effectiveness, but participants still demonstrated retention and generalization of learned sounds even two months after treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultrasound visual feedback treatment and practice variability for residual speech sound errors. Preston, JL., McCabe, P., Rivera-Campos, A., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 4 speakers with chronic apraxia of speech and aphasia, all participants showed improved accuracy in speech production across different treatment intensities and schedules using sound production treatment (SPT).

No significant differences in treatment outcomes were found between the various SPT applications, suggesting that different intensities and practice schedules can be equally effective for improving speech accuracy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment for acquired apraxia of speech: examination of treatment intensity and practice schedule. Wambaugh, JL., Nessler, C., Cameron, R., et al.[2016]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8700312/

The Effectiveness of an Integrated Treatment for Functional ...

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the integrated SSD treatment program PhonoSens, which focuses on integrating phonological and ...

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asha.org

asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/articulation-and-phonology/?srsltid=AfmBOooqH3Pux6F9ALepG3r_8g0AQBn34o9k0v0uX8QJ5A30ZDlk5W7g

Speech Sound Disorders: Articulation and Phonology

Poor speech sound production skills in kindergarten children have been associated with lower literacy outcomes, especially in children with concomitant language ...

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11086453/

Outcome measures for children with speech sound disorder

The objective of this umbrella review paper is to provide a rigorous and detailed list of assessments, interventions and outcomes which target SSD in children.

4.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07061730

NCT07061730 | Evaluating the Effectiveness of Hybrid and ...

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid Artificial Intelligence-assisted speech therapy model, ...

5.

pubs.asha.org

pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2022_LSHSS-22-00065

Innovations in Treatment for Children With Speech Sound ...

We have curated nine scientifically based articles that highlight the heterogeneity of SSDs and how various subpopulations require uniquely tailored ...

6.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK356271/

Treatment and Persistence of Speech and Language ... - NCBI

In summary, considerable evidence shows that clinical treatment for language disorders can improve preschool children's language abilities. However, the ...

7.

bmjopen.bmj.com

bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/4/e081446

Outcome measures for children with speech sound disorder

The objective of this umbrella review paper is to provide a rigorous and detailed list of assessments, interventions and outcomes which target SSD in children.

8.

pubs.asha.org

pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00310

Collaboration Between Child Play Therapy and Speech ...

In this study, a new intervention (Play and Language [PAL]) was developed through a research collaboration between a speech-language pathologist and a play ...

9.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/12/1190

The Effectiveness of an Integrated Treatment for Functional ...

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the integrated SSD treatment program PhonoSens, which focuses on integrating phonological and ...

10.

nidcd.nih.gov

nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language

Quick Statistics About Voice, Speech, Language - NIDCD - NIH

More than half (59.7%) of U.S. children ages 3-17 with a voice, speech, or language disorder received intervention services in the past year.