How very low-frequency (infrasound) sound affects balance
Official title: Effects of Infrasound Exposure on the Vestibular Function
Funded at University of Mississippi · NIH-11374709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will test whether exposure to very low-frequency sounds can cause balance and dizziness problems using an animal model to help explain symptoms some people report.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $439,187 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC023372-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Although this is preclinical animal work, the findings are most relevant to people who live or work near strong low-frequency sound sources and experience unexplained dizziness, vertigo, ear pressure, nausea, tinnitus, or headaches.
✕Less likely to help
People whose balance problems are clearly caused by known non-sound-related conditions (for example, established inner-ear disease, stroke, or other neurological disorders) may not benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
You should know the team will build a specially designed sound enclosure that can produce precisely controlled infrasound and low-frequency audible signals. They will expose rodents to these controlled sounds and record measures of the inner-ear balance system and related physiological responses. The work combines acoustic engineering expertise with medical expertise in sound-evoked vestibular responses. Results aim to show whether infrasound can directly activate or harm the vestibular system in ways that might relate to human symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why some people near infrasound sources report dizziness and guide safety guidelines, diagnosis, and future treatments.
How similar studies have gone: This is largely novel because prior studies have not conclusively shown that infrasound directly activates the vestibular system, and existing human evidence is limited and conflicting.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi
University, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Talmadge, Carrick L — University of Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Talmadge, Carrick L
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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.