Identifying which drugs used for infections and inflammation may harm hearing
Official title: Determining the ototoxic potential of anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory therapeutics using machine learning and in vivo approaches
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11418053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using computer models and animal studies to flag medicines that could cause hearing loss, with the goal of safer treatments for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $357,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020701-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults receiving anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory therapies who are concerned about hearing side effects could benefit from safer treatment options identified by this research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy volunteers or individuals not using the specific anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory drugs studied may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory drugs to see if they might damage hearing. It uses machine learning and live models to quickly identify potential ototoxicity. Findings could guide safer drug choices and help patients avoid therapies that risk hearing loss. The work focuses on drugs already used in adults and aims to reduce the occurrence of therapy-related hearing problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could help doctors choose safer medications and reduce the risk of drug-induced hearing loss for adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that some drugs carry ototoxic risk, but comprehensive, rapid assessment across many drugs remains an area of active development.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coffin, Allison B — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Coffin, Allison B
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.