Mapping the developmental trajectory of Speech-Evoked Envelope Following Responses in typically developing normal hearing children

• Grant number: 24/14323-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Spada Durante
• Grantee: Alessandra Spada Durante
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Michael Chesnaye ; Sriram Boothalingam ; Vijayalakshmi Easwar

Abstract

Introduction: Speech-evoked potentials stand out as the non-invasive method of choice for studying the sensory processes that contribute to the developmental trajectory of hearing. In the present study, the main focus is primarily on speech syllable rate and voice F0, as these can be captured by non-invasive EEG measurements, also known as envelope following responses (EFR). However, these studies' limitations hinder a comprehensive understanding of typical development and the impact of childhood hearing loss on auditory development.The project aims to investigate the prolonged development of auditory capabilities in children, specifically focusing on the ability to hear and understand speech, which continues to mature until adolescence.Objectives: Evaluate repetition-related variability in speech-evoked EFRs as a function of age at both syllabic and voice F0 rates. Assess the effect of inter-stimulus-interval duration on repetition-related variability.Methods: 145 Participants, ranging from neonates to adults, will be selected based on specific inclusion criteria, such as normal hearing and typical middle ear function.The /susashi/ stimulus will be presented bilaterally participants at 65 dB SPL across various test conditions with different interstimulus intervals. EEG will be recorded using a single-channel montage, and data will be analyzed to assess repetition effects and specific conditions. EEG analysis will involve conventional preprocessing pipelines, with statistical detection methods applied to assess the elicitation of EFRs. Linear mixed effects models will be used to analyze repetition effects as a function of age and interstimulus interval. The project involves international collaboration with Easwar and colleagues who have developed the stimulus. (AU)