Age-related hearing and balance problems
Age Related Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction
This project looks at whether two drugs, rapamycin and 17‑α‑estradiol, alone or together, can slow or reduce hearing loss and balance problems in older adults, especially veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11220707 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds on mouse studies where rapamycin delayed age-related hearing loss and early data suggest 17‑α‑estradiol may help through a different biological pathway. The researchers will study 17‑α‑estradiol alone and in combination with rapamycin to see if the treatments reduce hearing decline. They will also examine whether starting rapamycin later in life can lessen the added harm from earlier loud-noise exposure, which is common in veterans. Participation would likely include regular hearing and balance tests and taking study medications under medical supervision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (typically age 65+)—many likely veterans—with age-related hearing loss or a history of loud-noise exposure.
Not a fit: People whose hearing loss comes from non-aging causes (for example congenital conditions, certain irreversible inner-ear damage, or ongoing ototoxic effects) may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could slow hearing decline and reduce balance problems, helping people communicate better and lowering fall risk.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies showed rapamycin can delay age-related hearing loss and preliminary data suggest 17‑α‑estradiol might help, but testing these specific treatments in humans is new.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Altschuler, Richard — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Altschuler, Richard
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 below.