Investigating hidden hearing loss in older adults
Research Supplement - Luz Andrino
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11020584
This study is looking at how age-related hearing loss affects older adults' ability to understand speech in noisy places, focusing on a specific problem in the ear, and it aims to find better ways to diagnose hearing issues in seniors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11020584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding age-related hearing loss, particularly the often-overlooked issue of cochlear synaptopathy, which may affect speech intelligibility in noisy environments. The study aims to explore how the loss of synapses between inner hair cells and the auditory nerve impacts older adults' ability to understand speech amidst background noise. By utilizing rodent models, researchers will measure cochlear synaptic integrity and its effects on auditory processing, providing insights that could lead to better diagnostic methods for hearing loss in seniors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over 70 years of age, who experience hearing loss or difficulties in understanding speech in noisy environments.
Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss due to causes other than cochlear synaptopathy, such as conductive hearing loss or those with intact auditory processing abilities, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of hearing difficulties in older adults, enhancing their communication abilities and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of cochlear synaptopathy is relatively novel, emerging evidence suggests that similar approaches in animal models have shown promise in understanding auditory processing deficits.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PARTHASARATHY, ARAVINDAKSHAN — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: PARTHASARATHY, ARAVINDAKSHAN
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.