How eye movements affect hearing

Mechanisms of Oculomotor Influences on Hearing

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11061881

This study is looking at how our eyes and ears work together, especially in people with hearing loss, to see if eye movements can affect what we hear and how we process sounds.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061881 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between eye movements and hearing, focusing on how these two senses interact at the earliest stages of the auditory pathway. The study will explore the role of specific components in the ear, such as middle ear muscles and outer hair cells, in generating sounds related to eye movements. By using animal models and comparing findings with human patients who have hearing loss, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these interactions and their implications for auditory processing. Patients may gain insights into how their hearing may be affected by eye movements and related dysfunctions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing age-related hearing loss or dysfunction related to middle ear components.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss not related to middle ear muscle or outer hair cell dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of hearing mechanisms and lead to improved treatments for hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific interactions between eye movements and hearing are novel, related research has shown success in understanding auditory processing mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.