How aging changes the hearing nerve that sends sound to the brain
Molecular and Functional Mechanisms of the aging auditory neuron
This research looks at how aging alters the nerve cells that carry sound from the inner ear to the brain, to help older adults with age-related hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically engineered mice that label different types of auditory nerve cells so they can track how those cells change as animals age. They will trace nerve connections from cochlear hair cells to brainstem centers, measure hearing signals with tests like auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions, and record the electrical properties and ion channels of the neurons over time. The team will apply optogenetic and pharmacogenetic tools to control and study specific neuron subtypes and examine structural remodeling of central auditory circuits. The goal is to map which nerve subtypes lose fast signaling with age and to pinpoint molecular changes behind those losses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any future human studies would be older adults with age-related (sensorineural) hearing loss or early signs of nerve-related hearing decline.
Not a fit: People whose hearing problems are due to middle-ear (conductive) conditions, recent infections, or congenital causes unrelated to aging are less likely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific nerve-cell targets and early tests to detect, prevent, or slow age-related hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown age-linked auditory nerve decline, but this project applies newer genetic labeling and optogenetic approaches to map subtype-specific changes and is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamoah, Ebenezer N — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Yamoah, Ebenezer N
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.