Investigating how noise-induced hearing loss affects Alzheimer's disease development and progression
Official title: The effect of noise induced hearing loss on Alzheimer's disease development and progression
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10661373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how loud noises might affect hearing and possibly lead to Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how their hearing health could relate to their memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,434,000 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG082216-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10661373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss or those who have been exposed to significant environmental noise.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of hearing loss or those not exposed to environmental noise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between noise exposure, hearing loss, and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It aims to understand how environmental noise may contribute to cognitive decline and accelerate the onset of dementia. By examining the mechanisms behind noise-induced hearing loss and its potential role in AD progression, the study seeks to identify new risk factors and pathways that could inform prevention strategies. Patients may be involved in assessments of hearing and cognitive function to better understand these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of noise.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific hypothesis regarding noise and Alzheimer's is novel, related research has shown that environmental factors can influence cognitive decline.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Hong-Bo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Hong-Bo
Related research
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This study is looking at how hearing loss might affect memory and brain health in people with Alzheimer's disease, using animals to see if losing hearing makes Alzheimer's symptoms worse, which could help us find ways to prevent or treat both conditions.
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Investigating how early hearing loss may relate to Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how using hearing aids might help people aged 55 to 75 with early hearing loss and mild memory issues, by seeing if better hearing can improve their thinking skills and social connections, possibly helping to prevent further memory decline.
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Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
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.