How sleep apnea and CPAP therapy affect hearing
Official title: Auditory Effects of Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy
Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-10922587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how obstructive sleep apnea might affect hearing and sound processing in Veterans who have hearing problems that aren't just due to regular hearing loss, and it hopes to find ways to help improve their hearing with treatments like CPAP therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX005142-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans aged 21 and older who have hearing difficulties and are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or whose hearing issues are solely due to traditional hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on auditory processing in Veterans who experience hearing difficulties not explained by traditional hearing loss. It aims to explore the relationship between the severity of OSA and auditory function, even in individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. The study will gather data to inform future research on the effectiveness of CPAP therapy in improving auditory outcomes. By understanding these connections, the research seeks to develop tailored rehabilitation strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hearing rehabilitation strategies for patients with auditory processing deficits related to sleep apnea.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between sleep apnea and auditory processing is being explored, this specific approach to studying the effects of CPAP therapy on auditory function is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland VA Medical Center
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papesh, Melissa — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Papesh, Melissa
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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.