Investigating a new therapy for age-related hearing loss
Official title: Sex Effects for Hearing Loss Drug Therapies
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-10791076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural supplement called L-ergothioneine might help improve hearing for older adults dealing with age-related hearing loss, since there aren't any approved treatments for this condition yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021546-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-age-related factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on age-related hearing loss (ARHL), a common condition affecting older adults, which leads to gradual deterioration in hearing abilities. The study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of L-ergothioneine, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, to target multiple pathways involved in hearing loss. By investigating this therapy, the research seeks to provide a new approach to managing ARHL, which currently has no FDA-approved treatments. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the effectiveness of this therapy in improving their hearing and overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option for age-related hearing loss, improving communication and quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on antioxidants for hearing loss, this specific approach targeting multiple pathways with L-ergothioneine is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frisina, Robert D — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Frisina, Robert D
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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.