Gallaudet University
Who We Are
Our Work
Overview
News & Stories
Feb 3, 2023
Upcoming Events
November 11, 2022
November 17, 2022
November 19, 2022
University Wide Events
No Communication Compromises
Areas of Study
Schools
Programs
Changing the world
Research
Community & Innovation
Research Experiences & Services
Your Journey Starts Here
Study
Learn
Undergraduate Support
Information
Tools & Resources
Explore Our Campus
Connect
Discover
Influence
Dec 9, 2022
Quick Links
Support
Meet the Team
FAQs
Contact
GU
/
Petitto Brain and Language ...
Developmental Neuroplasticity and Timing of First Language Exposure in Infants
Email Us
This research project seeks to understand the mechanisms that underlie learning (i.e. language acquisition) in the developing brain in order to improve understanding of typical and atypical cognition.
Much controversy exists in science and among speech, language, and hearing professionals regarding the optimal age (if at all) to expose young children to a visual signed language. This study promises to have a high impact on broader society, as our understanding from this study will ameliorate barriers to the successful use of hearing enhancement technologies by identifying optimal developmental timing of language exposure in conjunction with cochlear implantation.
We utilize functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioral techniques that are compatible with young children and particularly recipients of cochlear implants to capture the modulation of the language neural networks as a function of different language exposure experiences.
Congenitally deaf infants with cochlear implants provide scientists with an extraordinary natural experiment in which exposure to auditory- and visual-based language permits investigation into controlled timing of linguistic exposure.
Thus, in this first-time, targeted study of brain tissue development in young cochlear implanted infants, we will better understand the neural network that underlies language acquisition and processing in terms of its neurobiological maturational sensitivity as well as its neuroplasticity and resilience to the modality of language.