Genes behind ringing in the ears and hearing loss
Genetic Architecture of Tinnitus and its Relationship to Hearing Loss
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · NIH-11131057
This project looks for genetic differences that may explain why some people, especially veterans, develop tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131057 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing genetic data and medical records from a large, diverse group of people, with an emphasis on veterans, to find DNA differences linked to tinnitus and hearing loss. They will use stricter clinical definitions of tinnitus such as disability ratings and diagnoses, plus objective hearing tests rather than only self-reported symptoms. The team will expand their dataset across ages, ancestry groups, and noise-exposure histories to separate genetic effects from damage caused by loud noise. Their goal is to map the genomic regions and biological pathways that differ between people with tinnitus and those with hearing loss alone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people, particularly veterans, with chronic tinnitus or hearing loss who can share their medical records and genetic information.
Not a fit: People without tinnitus or hearing loss, or those seeking an immediate treatment, may not directly benefit because this is genetic discovery work rather than a treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to biological targets for new treatments, improve diagnosis, and help identify people at higher risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large genetic studies have already found some risk variants for tinnitus, and this project builds on that work using larger and more clinically detailed datasets.
Where this research is happening
SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES
- VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM — SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NIEVERGELT, CAROLINE M — VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- Study coordinator: NIEVERGELT, CAROLINE M
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 below.
Conditions: Anxiety Disorders