Plain-English translation of NCT05298748 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether playing womb sound recordings—sounds that mimic what a baby hears inside the womb—can help premature babies develop more mature and stable breathing patterns. Researchers believe that exposing babies in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to these gentle, womb-like sounds during a critical window of brain development may reduce dangerous episodes of stopped breathing, low oxygen levels, and dangerous heart rate drops. The treatment uses simple audio recordings with no medication or invasive procedures.
Premature babies often experience dangerous pauses in breathing (called apnea) and low oxygen levels because their brains haven't fully matured yet. This trial exists because there is an urgent need for safe, gentle interventions to help babies' brains mature faster and stabilize their breathing during this vulnerable time in the NICU.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If your baby is enrolled, they will listen to special sound recordings over a 24-hour period while in the NICU. Your baby will be exposed to 12 hours of womb sound recordings and 12 hours of regular ambient noise, in alternating 6-hour blocks. The sounds play through speakers near the baby's bed—it's a non-invasive, safe intervention with no medication or procedures involved. Researchers will monitor your baby's breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels before, during, and after the sound exposure.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Case Western Reserve University
Enrollment target
~34 participants
Started
September 2022
Primary completion
October 2026
Age range
1 Week – 5 Weeks
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in December 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Cynthia Bearer, MD
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.