Imaging the living human cochlea to guide therapy
Official title: Integrating histology and translational imaging of the human cochlea
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11426526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to improve noninvasive imaging of the human cochlea in living people so doctors can better diagnose problems and plan safe, targeted treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,124 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022842-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11426526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hearing loss or cochlear disease who may benefit from improved imaging-guided therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
General healthy individuals without cochlear issues may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced imaging (optical coherence tomography) to visualize the internal structures of the cochlea without opening the ear. By studying fresh cadaveric samples and developing faster histology methods, the team wants to refine how we see cochlear anatomy and pathologies in living patients. The goal is to enable more accurate diagnoses and safer delivery of intracochlear therapies in the future. The work blends imaging with histology to build a clearer map of the cochlea that could guide treatment choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate diagnoses and safer, more effective cochlear therapies guided by better imaging.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier imaging studies show promise, but this work aims to translate cadaveric and histological findings into clinical imaging improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakajima, Hideko Heidi — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Nakajima, Hideko Heidi
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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.