Investigating how chronic ear infections cause hearing loss in children
Official title: The role of macrophages in chronic suppurative otitis media associated sensory hearing loss
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11232428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a serious ear infection called chronic suppurative otitis media can cause hearing loss in kids, using a special animal model to help find out more about the infection and how it affects hearing, with hopes of discovering better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,571 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DC019965-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11232428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who suffer from chronic ear infections or sensory hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss not related to chronic ear infections or those over 11 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a severe middle ear infection, and sensory hearing loss in children. The study utilizes a novel animal model that mimics the human condition, allowing researchers to observe how the infection, caused primarily by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leads to permanent hearing loss. By examining the immune response and the behavior of bacterial biofilms, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this condition and explore potential treatment avenues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or treat hearing loss caused by chronic ear infections in children.
How similar studies have gone: While chronic suppurative otitis media is a well-documented condition, this specific approach using a novel animal model to study its effects on hearing loss is relatively new and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santa Maria, Peter Luke — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Santa Maria, Peter Luke
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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.