Exploring new hearing aid methods for Veterans with blast exposure
Official title: Benefits of speech-based audiometry and low-gain hearing aids for blast-exposed Veterans
Funded at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System · NIH-11056021 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to blasts affects Veterans' ability to understand speech in noisy places, even if their hearing tests come back normal, and it aims to create a new way to help them get better-fitting hearing aids that match their unique listening needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Loma Linda Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX005059-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056021 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who have experienced blast exposure and struggle with understanding speech in noisy environments despite having normal hearing test results.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of blast exposure or those with severe hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blast exposure affects Veterans' ability to understand speech in noisy environments, despite having normal hearing as measured by standard tests. It focuses on the concept of functional hearing difficulty (FHD), which may stem from damage to the brain's auditory processing areas. The study aims to develop a new method called speech-based audiometry (SBA) that uses advanced algorithms to better fit hearing aids to the specific needs of these Veterans, improving their listening experiences. By analyzing brain responses and listening challenges, the research seeks to create personalized treatment plans that go beyond traditional hearing assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for Veterans by improving their ability to communicate in challenging listening situations.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding the impact of blast exposure on auditory processing, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venezia, Jonathan Henry — VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Venezia, Jonathan Henry
Related research
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Benefits of speech-based hearing tests and low-gain hearing aids for blast-exposed Veterans
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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.