Investigating how age-related changes in the ear affect understanding speech in noisy environments
Effects of Age-related Cochlear Synaptopathy on Speech-in-noise Intelligibility: A Cross-species Approach
This study looks at how age-related changes in hearing affect older adults' ability to understand speech in noisy environments, helping us learn more about the challenges they face when trying to follow conversations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10802298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of age-related cochlear synaptopathy, which is the loss of connections between inner hair cells and the auditory nerve, on older adults' ability to understand speech in noisy settings. By using both human and rodent models, the study aims to uncover how these changes affect the processing of sound, particularly the timing cues that are crucial for speech intelligibility. The research employs advanced auditory testing methods to assess speech perception under various listening conditions, providing insights into the hidden challenges faced by older individuals with hearing difficulties.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 70 and above who experience difficulties in understanding speech amidst background noise.
Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing thresholds and no reported difficulties in speech comprehension are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and interventions for older adults struggling with speech comprehension in noisy environments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that cochlear synaptopathy may significantly impact speech perception, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.