Tweaking cochlear implants may help the deaf in one ear hear better in crowds

NCT ID NCT05494632

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether changing the pitch and loudness settings on a cochlear implant (CI) could help people with single-sided deafness hear speech better in noisy places like restaurants. Researchers adjusted the CI programs of 45 adults to reduce the mismatch between the implanted ear and the normal-hearing ear. Participants then took a speech-in-noise test to compare their everyday program with the modified one.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: modified cochlear implant speech processor program
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to better hearing in noisy places for people with single-sided deafness who use a cochlear implant.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study (45 people) testing a device adjustment, not a new treatment. Results may not apply to all CI users or lead to a commercial product.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

deafness, unilateral

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OUTCOMES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.