How age and hearing loss affect the ability to process sounds
Official title: Effects of age and hearing loss on auditory temporal processing: Perceptual and electrophysiological measures
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11052541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and having hearing loss make it harder to understand speech in noisy places, and it's for anyone who struggles with this issue, as it hopes to find ways to help improve their listening experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $649,982 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021362-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience age-related hearing loss or difficulties in understanding speech.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have age-related hearing loss or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age and hearing loss impact the ability to understand speech in noisy environments. It uses advanced techniques like magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG) to measure brain responses while participants listen to speech. By analyzing these responses, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to difficulties in speech perception due to aging and hearing loss. The findings could lead to better interventions and treatments for those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing speech understanding in older adults and those with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar M/EEG techniques has shown promise in understanding auditory processing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wojtczak, Magdalena — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Wojtczak, Magdalena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
Researchers are looking at whether hearing damage from loud noise speeds memory loss and dementia in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
-
Audiological rehabilitation for children with unilateral hearing loss
A research project aims to help children who hear with one ear by testing ways to improve their hearing and communication through targeted audiology interventions.
-
Choosing the right hearing device for kids with moderate-to-severe hearing loss
This grant explores which hearing device—hearing aids or cochlear implants—works best for children aged 0-11 with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and brain-to-ear feedback in hearing protection
A small, patient-friendly study will look at how loud noise changes the brain’s control over hearing and whether this affects conditions like tinnitus or sensitivity to sound.
-
How loud noise can change the brain's sound decisions
This project looks at how loud noise-related hearing loss may affect how people process sounds and make quick decisions about what they hear.
-
Understanding how tactile language and wearable tech can help DeafBlind children learn and use language
A study at Gallaudet University tests a new tactile language and wearable haptic devices to help DeafBlind children build early language and everyday life skills.
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.