Exploring hearing loss in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Multidimensional investigation of auditory dysfunction in Down syndrome
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11083702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing problems affect people with Down syndrome, aiming to understand why these issues happen and how they can improve the lives of those with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $998,372 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021819-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome who may be experiencing hearing loss or related auditory dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not exhibit any auditory dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the widespread auditory dysfunction experienced by individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on understanding the mechanisms behind hearing loss associated with an extra copy of chromosome 21. The study will involve a detailed assessment of auditory and vestibular functions in a cohort of 300 participants using various tests, including audiometry and auditory brainstem response testing. By gathering comprehensive health histories and evaluating co-occurring conditions, the research aims to uncover critical insights that could enhance the quality of life for those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of hearing loss in individuals with Down syndrome, enhancing their overall development and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding auditory dysfunction in genetic conditions can lead to significant advancements in treatment and support, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espinosa, Joaquin M. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Espinosa, Joaquin M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.