A non-invasive method to cool the inner ear to prevent hearing loss from loud noises
Official title: Non-Invasive System to Deliver Therapeutic Hypothermia for Protection Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Funded at Restorear Devices, LLC · NIH-11090523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a gentle cooling treatment for the inner ear to help protect your hearing and balance after being exposed to loud noises, and it's especially for people like firefighters and military personnel who are at risk for hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Restorear Devices, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bozeman, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 20, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $892,211 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DC018760-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090523 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults and teenagers who are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to occupational or recreational exposure to loud sounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience noise exposure or have pre-existing irreversible hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive system to apply mild therapeutic hypothermia to the inner ear, aiming to protect against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The approach involves delivering controlled cooling to the inner ear after exposure to loud sounds, which can help preserve hearing and protect sensitive neural structures. The study builds on previous findings that suggest this method can conserve residual hearing and improve balance functions in at-risk populations, such as firefighters and military personnel. Participants will be monitored for changes in hearing and balance following the application of this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of hearing loss in individuals exposed to loud noises.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches to using therapeutic hypothermia for protecting hearing, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Restorear Devices, LLC
Bozeman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Curtis Scott — Restorear Devices, LLC
- Study coordinator: King, Curtis Scott
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.