How aging affects hearing and sound localization
Official title: Aging impairs temporal fidelity in the auditory brainstem and underlies spatial hearing deficits
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11086611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the part of the brain that helps us hear, especially for older adults who have trouble hearing in noisy places, even if regular hearing tests don’t show any problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $38,095 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021622-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who experience difficulties in hearing or sound localization despite having normal hearing test results.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with hearing loss due to causes other than aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the auditory brainstem, leading to difficulties in hearing and sound localization in older adults. It focuses on a specific type of hearing loss known as 'hidden' hearing loss, which is not detectable through standard hearing tests. By using Mongolian Gerbils as a model, the study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of this condition and how it affects the ability to perceive sounds in noisy environments. The research will involve auditory measurements to assess the timing of sound processing in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for hearing difficulties in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding hidden hearing loss, but this specific approach focusing on the auditory brainstem in aging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sergison, Matthew D — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Sergison, Matthew D
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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.