ONAkids: Biomarkers of early speech acquisition to increase linguistic competence and social success

Measurement of specific EEG brain signals (frequency tracking response) in children to identify abnormalities in the processing of speech sounds, and their impact on future language skills.

Using a non-invasive portable EEG device developed by ONAkids, it measures the brain response to speech sounds in infants, just a few hours after birth. This signal (frequency-following response) reflects the capacity of the auditory brain structures to encode speech sounds, essential for language acquisition. Using an artificial intelligence algorithm that analyzes the child’s electrophysiological and clinical parameters, ONAkids is able to predict the risk of language delay at two years of age with an efficiency of 80%.

PI: Carles Escera

Research group: Brainlab – Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group

Institution: Universitat de Barcelona (UB)

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