How sound affects brain changes related to hearing as we age

Sensory-evoked adenosine release in cortical plasticity

NIH-funded research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11140475

This study looks at how sounds can affect the part of the brain that processes what we hear, especially as we get older, and it aims to find ways to help improve hearing and learning for adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11140475 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how acoustic stimuli can influence the brain's auditory cortex, particularly in adults, and how this ability changes with age. It focuses on understanding the role of adenosine release in the brain during sound exposure and how this process can be manipulated to enhance auditory plasticity. By examining the interactions between sound stimuli and neuromodulatory systems, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve auditory perception and learning in adults. Patients may benefit from insights into how to maintain or enhance their hearing abilities as they age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may be experiencing age-related declines in auditory perception or language skills.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or those with severe auditory impairments unrelated to age may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving auditory processing and language acquisition in adults, particularly as they age.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory plasticity and neuromodulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, 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 2026-06-15 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.