Improving Hearing Tests for Better Detection of Hearing Loss
Next Generation OAEs
This work aims to make a special hearing test called DPOAEs more accurate and useful for finding early signs of hearing changes and monitoring new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180438 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to improve a hearing test called Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) so it can be used more effectively in clinics. Our goal is to create a new way to record these DPOAEs that can better find mild to moderate hearing loss. We also want to use these improved tests to tell the difference between hearing changes caused by aging and those caused by loud noise exposure. Finally, we are developing a new method to measure how well your inner ear processes sounds, which could help identify hearing issues beyond just how sensitive your hearing is.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Individuals experiencing or at risk for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, including those with age-related hearing changes or noise exposure, may be ideal candidates for future applications of this research.
Not a fit: Patients with profound hearing loss or those whose hearing issues are not related to the inner ear's sound processing may not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic improvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier and more precise diagnosis of hearing loss, allowing for better monitoring of hearing health and the effectiveness of new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon previous peer-reviewed research and incorporates modern calibration and signal delivery techniques developed by the researchers.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhar, Sumitrajit — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Dhar, Sumitrajit
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.