How the inner ear shapes hearing development
Official title: Developmental Determination of Central Auditory Physiology by the Inner Ear
Funded at Lehigh University · NIH-11076356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the inner ear's structure affects how our brains understand different sounds, using chick embryos to see what happens when we change things around, and it could help us learn more about how our hearing develops without causing any hearing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lehigh University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $384,273 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DC018537-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with auditory disorders or those interested in the biological mechanisms of hearing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed auditory systems and no hearing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the organization of the inner ear influences the development of auditory processing in the brain. By using genetic manipulation techniques in chick embryos, the study aims to create a model that alters frequency representation in the inner ear. This approach allows researchers to explore the relationship between the inner ear's structure and the brain's ability to process sound frequencies without causing hearing dysfunction. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of auditory system development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating auditory disorders and improving hearing function.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar genetic manipulation techniques have shown promise in other sensory systems, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burger, R. Michael — Lehigh University
- Study coordinator: Burger, R. Michael
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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.