Investigating how fluid balance affects hearing loss in a specific animal model.
Official title: Understanding the progression of hearing loss in an endolymphatic hydrops model
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11235804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with fluid in the inner ear can cause hearing loss and balance issues, and it's aimed at helping people with conditions like Meniere's disease by finding new ways to treat these problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $236,529 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM139762-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss or balance issues related to inner ear fluid disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss not related to fluid imbalances in the inner ear may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how disruptions in fluid balance within the inner ear lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Using an animal model of endolymphatic hydrops, the study will explore the relationship between hearing and balance thresholds and the composition of inner ear fluids. Researchers will also examine the integrity of the blood-endolymph barrier and analyze the genetic factors contributing to neuronal dysfunction. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could inform the development of targeted therapies for conditions like Meniere's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders caused by fluid imbalances in the inner ear.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach may be novel, previous research has indicated that understanding fluid dynamics in the inner ear can lead to significant advancements in treating related conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Renauld, Justine Marie — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Renauld, Justine Marie
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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.