Device to assess hearing nerve function for cochlear implant eligibility
Official title: Device for assessment of 8th nerve function and cochlear implant candidacy
Funded at Intelligent Hearing Systems · NIH-10820618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new portable device that helps doctors check how well the hearing nerve is working, which can help them decide if someone with hearing loss is a good candidate for cochlear implants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Intelligent Hearing Systems NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,770 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DC021116-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10820618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing significant hearing loss who may be considering cochlear implantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who do not meet the criteria for cochlear implantation will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable device that measures electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eeABR) to evaluate the function of the 8th cranial nerve, which is crucial for determining if a patient is a suitable candidate for cochlear implants. The device aims to improve upon existing systems by using innovative hardware and stimulation techniques to provide clearer and more reliable results. By accurately assessing nerve function, this device could help clinicians make better-informed decisions regarding cochlear implantation for patients with hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate assessments of cochlear implant candidacy, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of developing a new device for assessing nerve function is innovative, similar methodologies in auditory assessments have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Intelligent Hearing Systems
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delgado, Rafael E — Intelligent Hearing Systems
- Study coordinator: Delgado, Rafael E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving hearing tests for newborns using telehealth and artificial intelligence
This study is working to make hearing tests for newborns and young kids easier and more accurate, especially in remote areas, by using smart technology to help doctors check for hearing loss without needing fancy equipment.
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.