This study investigates how individuals with cochlear implants detect speech in noisy environments. Cochlear implants are devices that provide hearing ability to people with severe hearing loss, but understanding speech in background noise remains challenging. The purpose of this study is to explore the neural mechanisms involved in speech detection for cochlear implant users and how these mechanisms vary among different users.
Participants will undergo PET neuroimaging, a type of brain scan, to identify brain regions related to the effort of understanding speech in noise. This will involve the use of a radioactive form of water, O-15, injected to monitor brain blood flow during auditory tasks. The study includes cochlear implant users with different device settings and a control group with typical hearing for comparison.
- Who can participate: Adults aged 18 to 99 years with a cochlear implant activated for over a year or with typical hearing can participate. Key eligibility includes severe hearing loss after age 16 for implant users and age-typical hearing for controls.
- Study details: Participants will have a PET scan using a radioactive substance to observe brain activity during speech tasks. The study includes cochlear implant users and a control group with typical hearing for baseline comparison.
- Study visits: The study requires 1 visit.
