Improving hearing and auditory processing in adults
Cross-modal enhancement of auditory plasticity and performance in adults
This study is looking at ways to help adults improve their hearing and understand speech better after hearing loss or cochlear implant surgery by temporarily reducing visual input to encourage the brain to adapt and change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10952248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the adult brain can regain its ability to adapt and improve auditory processing, particularly after hearing loss or cochlear implant surgery. The team is exploring methods to enhance plasticity in the auditory cortex, which is often limited in adults. By temporarily depriving visual input, they aim to trigger changes in the brain that could lead to better hearing outcomes and improved speech recognition. The study uses advanced techniques to observe how these changes occur at the cellular level in the auditory cortex.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced hearing loss or are candidates for cochlear implants.
Not a fit: Patients with congenital hearing loss or those who have not experienced any auditory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hearing capabilities and better outcomes for individuals with cochlear implants or auditory processing disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing auditory plasticity through sensory deprivation techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hey-Kyoung — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hey-Kyoung
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 below.