Extended high-frequency hearing and how it affects speech in aging
Official title: The Role of Extended High Frequencies on Speech Perception Challenges in Aging
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11342769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly look at whether very high-pitched sounds help adults understand speech in noisy places as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $192,953 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC022914-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11342769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with normal standard hearing who may struggle with speech in noise, and who could benefit from enhanced auditory assessments.
✕Less likely to help
People with severe hearing loss or those not experiencing speech-in-noise difficulties may see limited relevance.
What this research studies
As people get older, many notice that understanding what others say in noisy settings becomes harder, even when standard hearing tests look fine. This project studies extended high-frequency hearing (above 8 kHz) and how it relates to real-world listening challenges, like conversations in a busy room. Researchers use computer models and listening tests to see if high-frequency cues support clearer speech perception and whether aging changes brain processing of sounds. The study also aims to determine if early-life EHF hearing can predict later-life speech difficulties and listening effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new tests and strategies that capture and address hidden hearing difficulties in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows EHF hearing relates to speech perception in noise, but direct links to aging-related outcomes need confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mchaney, Jacie R — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Mchaney, Jacie R
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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.