Brain wave study reveals how we hear language
NCT ID NCT05010473
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at how the brain tracks speech sounds in healthy young adults. Researchers measured brain waves in English and Mandarin speakers to see how language experience and attention affect sound processing. The goal was to better understand the brain's role in hearing, which could help improve future hearing and language treatments.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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73 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2022
- Finished
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Mar 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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13 to 25 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 13 years up to 25 years * Healthy volunteers * Native English speaking individuals with no exposure or experience to tonal languages * Native Mandarin speakers * Hearing sensitivity within normal limits (Puretone hearing thresholds \< 25dB from 250 * Hz to 8000 Hz) * Less than six years of formal music training or experience Exclusion Criteria: * Proficiency in languages other than English or Chinese * History of or current complaint of hearing loss or tinnitus * History of or current complaint of cognitive impairments * Individuals with more than 5 years of formal music experience or training * Complaints of impaired speech perception in noise
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois, 60208, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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