~7 spots leftby Sep 2025

AAC Technology for Child Hearing Loss

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+1 other location
Overseen byJareen Meinzen-Derr, PhD
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
No Placebo Group
Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This study evaluates the efficacy of using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology for enhancing language development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Half of the participants will receive AAC technology with their speech and language therapy and half will continue with their usual care models.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

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

What data supports the idea that AAC Technology for Child Hearing Loss is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that AAC Technology can significantly improve communication skills for children with complex communication needs. For example, one study found that children who received AAC devices, like symbol systems and speech output devices, were able to use them for communication, with some using them frequently. Factors such as early access to the devices and proper training contributed to better outcomes. Additionally, AAC Technology has been shown to enhance the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders by optimizing their ability to communicate. Compared to other communication modes, AAC systems, including speech-generating devices, have been effective in helping children acquire communication skills.

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What safety data exists for AAC Technology in treating child hearing loss?

The provided research does not specifically address the safety data for AAC Technology or related communication aids in treating child hearing loss. The studies focus on adverse events related to medications and general pediatric care, not on AAC devices. Therefore, specific safety data for AAC Technology in this context is not available in the given research.

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Is AAC Technology a promising treatment for child hearing loss?

Yes, AAC Technology is a promising treatment for child hearing loss. It helps children with complex communication needs by providing tools to improve their communication, language, and literacy skills. This technology has evolved rapidly, offering better ways for children to express themselves and reach their full potential.

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Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children with a language gap and documented permanent bilateral hearing loss of any severity who are already receiving speech-language therapy. It excludes those whose primary language isn't English, have significant motor impairments, nonverbal IQ below 60, or severe communication disorders like autism.

Inclusion Criteria

Identified with a language gap
I am currently undergoing speech-language therapy.
I have permanent hearing loss in both ears.

Exclusion Criteria

Primary language other than English
My child has a severe communication disorder like autism.
I have major difficulties with movement.
+1 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology can improve language development in deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Participants will either receive AAC tech alongside their usual speech therapy or continue with their current care without the tech.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Technology-assisted language interventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This intervention will incorporate augmentative and alternative communication software delivered on iPads into speech-language therapy
Group II: usual careActive Control1 Intervention
This group will be usual care children are already receiving.

AAC Technology is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί Approved in European Union as AAC Technology for:
  • Language development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Approved in United States as AAC Technology for:
  • Language development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Communication assistance for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and other speech disorders
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Approved in Canada as AAC Technology for:
  • Language development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Communication assistance for individuals with speech disorders

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Children's Hospital of ColoradoAurora, CO
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, OH
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Children's Hospital Medical Center, CincinnatiLead Sponsor
Children's Hospital ColoradoCollaborator

References

Comparing Interventions With Speech-Generating Devices and Other Augmentative and Alternative Communication Modes: A Meta-Analysis. [2023]Optimal augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for children with complex communication needs depend in part on child characteristics, child preferences, and features of the systems themselves. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to describe and synthesize single case design studies comparing young children's acquisition of communication skills with speech-generating devices (SGDs) and other AAC modes.
Outcome of recommendations for augmentative communication in children. [2019]Some children with severe motor disorders have unintelligible speech, and may be recommended augmentative communication systems, such as a symbol chart or a voice output aid. The paper reports the outcome after 15-18 months for 35 children of recommendations for augmentative communication. Using structured questionnaires, parents were asked whether equipment was provided as recommended. Their perception of success in children's use of augmentative aids was recorded and related to potentially influential factors. Twenty-five symbol systems, 10 speech output devices and 11 switches were received; 18 symbol systems were used for communication and 10 were used frequently. Seven speech output devices were used for communication but only two were reported to be used frequently. Factors leading to more successful outcomes include early receipt of the aid, perceived adequate local training in the use of the aid, and children aged 6 years or more at initial assessment. The findings also suggest that referring professionals will need to be better informed about the nature and limitations of augmentative communication aids, and that improved local professional input and careful interagency planning and co-ordination are required to achieve optimal outcome.
Introducing the therapy outcome measure for AAC services in the context of a review of other measures. [2019]This article discusses the importance of outcome measures in improving Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services, reviews existing methods and introduces a new approach.
AAC technologies for young children with complex communication needs: state of the science and future research directions. [2022]Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies offer the potential to provide children who have complex communication needs with access to the magic and power of communication. This paper is intended to (a) summarize the research related to AAC technologies for young children who have complex communication needs; and (b) define priorities for future research to improve AAC technologies and interventions for children with complex communication needs. With the realization of improved AAC technologies, young children with complex communication needs will have better tools to maximize their development of communication, language, and literacy skills, and attain their full potential.
Advances in augmentative and alternative communication as quality-of-life technology. [2009]Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology is recommended for individuals with significant communication disorders, who may have motor limitations and other challenges that impact quality of life (QOL). The goal of AAC treatment is to optimize communication. This article presents innovations to the primary, secondary, and tertiary AAC components that are considered by rehabilitation clinicians when matching people with technology (MPT). Language considerations are paramount to the MPT process, and innovations are discussed on how features may enhance language performance. AAC technology has made performance and outcome gains contributing to the QOL of people who cannot speak.
[Clinical safety paediatric patients]. [2012]To describe the incidence and types of adverse events in children and how they can be prevented.
How do parents perceive adverse drug events of their children's anticonvulsant medication? [2018]The main source of knowledge on adverse drug events (ADE) are physicians' reports in controlled clinical trials. In contrast, little is known about the parents' perception of ADE of anticonvulsants their children receive.
Drugs associated with adverse events in children and adolescents. [2014]To describe the suspected medications, types of reactions, and outcomes of adverse events (AEs) most commonly reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in children by age group.
Adverse events and comparison of systematic and voluntary reporting from a paediatric intensive care unit. [2010]Little is known of the incidence of adverse events in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Perceived incidence may be dependent on data-collection methods.
Adverse drug reactions in children reported by European consumers from 2007 to 2011. [2021]Information about medicines safety in children is very limited. Consumer adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports can provide information about serious and unknown ADRs from medicine use in children.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in pediatric cochlear implant recipients with complex needs: A scoping review. [2023]Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) encompasses all forms of unaided and aided modes of communication, but typically excludes codified language such as spoken words or American Sign Language (ASL). In pediatric patients with a documented additional disability (population of interest), deficits in communication may pose a barrier to language development. While forms of AAC are frequently mentioned in the literature, recent innovations have permitted the use of high-tech AAC in the rehabilitation process. Our objective was to review the implementation of AAC in pediatric cochlear implant recipients with a documented additional disability.
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
A scoping review of interventions to supplement spoken communication for children with limited speech or language skills. [2021]Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is used for treating children with severe disorders of speech-language production and/or comprehension. Various strategies are used, but research and debate on their efficacy have remained limited to a specific area and have rarely reached the general medical community.
13.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The state of research and practice in augmentative and alternative communication for children with developmental/intellectual disabilities. [2022]Augmentative and alternative communication is a compilation of methods and technology designed to supplement spoken communication for people with limited speech or language skills, including children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The field of AAC has evolved rapidly within the last 10 years, due to a combination of empirical advances from research as well as rapid changes in technology. This article reviews some of the most significant aspects of this growth as it relates to children with developmental disabilities. Major issues within the field, the evidence base available to practitioners and researchers, and promising areas of future growth are identified.