Development of a Therapeutic Device to Improve Speech Sound Differentiation in Preterm Infants (NCT06063122)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this clinical study is to test a new, novel medical device designed to improve speech sound differentiation among hospitalized preterm infants. The device is designed to be used at an age equivalent to 32 weeks of gestation or older and to integrate readily into clinical practice for use by nurses and therapists staffing Level II to Level IV NICUs. Preterm born infants are at high risk for neurosensory impairments and developmental delays. In the NICU, infants are often deprived of infant-directed parental speech because of numerous challenges to parental visitation, resulting in reduced differentiation of speech sounds, altered brain structure and poor language outcomes. The study will explore the effectiveness of a novel medical device designed for infant learning through contingent sucking on a pacifier equipped with a sensor for suck pressure/timing, connected to a speaker that delivers mother's voice. The study will test the hypothesis that there will be a greater response difference between speech sounds on EEG, for infants receiving the suck-contingent mother's voice intervention than for infants hearing the same amount of non-contingent mother's voice from a speaker device.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Emory University — Atlanta, Georgia
Age range: 32 Weeks to 35 Weeks
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)
- Emory University — Atlanta, Georgia
- Thrive Neuromedical, LLC — Chagrin Falls, Ohio
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (440) 289-3656
Email: dean@smalltalk.tech
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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Explore by condition: All Premature Birth clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.