Social Influences on Sensorimotor Integration of Speech Production and Perception During Early Vocal Learning

The goal of this study is to investigate the role of social factors on speech learning, including production and perception, in infants ranging in age from ~7-18 months. Infants have either typical hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. The main prediction of the study is that social reinforcement will engender improvements in vocal learning above and beyond gains in hearing in infants with hearing loss. As part of this study:The parent and infant engage in a free play session in the playroom while the investigator cues the parent to say simple nonsense words;Infants hear playback of the same words during a second phase.

Inclusion Criteria:infants ca. 7-16 months of age at study onsetInfants less than 18 months of age (for follow-up visits only)At least one English-speaking or Spanish-speaking parent in the home who can participate in the studySubjects will include infants with typical hearing, hearing loss, or hearing loss remediated by a hearing aid or cochlear implant.Exclusion Criteria:infants who are not exposed to English or Spanish in the homeinfants who do not have a parent who can participate in the study will be excluded (Caregivers who are not parents will not be eligible to participate in the study)