Mom's voice may boost preemie brain waves

NCT ID NCT05391633

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of New Mexico Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether playing a recording of a mother's voice to premature babies in the NICU could improve brain development, measured by EEG. Fourteen infants born between 28 and 32 weeks gestation were randomly assigned to hear either their mother's voice or a blank recording for 14 days. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Recorded maternal voice
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to support brain development in premature babies.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study (14 infants) that was terminated, so results are limited and may not be reliable. The intervention is just a voice recording, so any effect is likely to be modest.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

learning disability Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEVELOPMENT DELAY PREMATURE BIRTH PREMATURITY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States

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