Developing tiny devices to improve hearing through the middle ear
Official title: Implantable Transducer Systems for Auditory Prostheses
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10931671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on tiny devices that can be implanted to help people with hearing loss by picking up sounds through the movement of bones in the ear, and they will test these devices to make sure they work well and are comfortable to wear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $613,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021596-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing bilateral hearing loss who may benefit from advanced auditory prostheses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who do not have access to surgical interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating small, implantable accelerometers that can detect sound by sensing the movement of the bones in the middle ear. The team will design and test these devices using advanced materials and techniques to ensure they are lightweight and effective. They will conduct experiments on cadaveric temporal bones to evaluate how well these devices perform in real-world conditions. The goal is to develop a new type of auditory prosthesis that can enhance hearing for individuals with hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hearing solutions for patients with auditory impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in auditory prostheses has shown promise, but this approach using advanced accelerometer technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grosh, Karl — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Grosh, Karl
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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.