Developing a method to diagnose inner ear damage in humans
Mouse, Man, and Machine: Combining Model Systems to Develop a Biomarker for Cochlear Deafferentation in Humans
['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10874776
This study is working on a new way to check for inner ear damage that can cause hearing problems like tinnitus and trouble understanding speech, using safe and simple tests, to help improve treatments for people with these issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10874776 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to create a diagnostic tool for cochlear deafferentation, which is the loss of critical cells in the inner ear that can lead to hearing issues like tinnitus and difficulty understanding speech. The project will utilize non-invasive physiological measures, such as auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions, to assess cochlear health in humans. By combining data from animal models and human subjects, the researchers hope to develop a computational model that accurately predicts cochlear damage. This could lead to better understanding and treatment options for auditory perceptual deficits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing auditory perceptual deficits, such as tinnitus or difficulty with speech perception, particularly those who have not found relief through traditional audiometric testing.
Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing and no auditory perceptual deficits are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable method for diagnosing cochlear deafferentation, leading to improved treatment strategies for patients with hearing-related issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive measures to assess cochlear health in animal models, but this approach is novel when applied to human diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BRAMHALL, NAOMI — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BRAMHALL, NAOMI
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.