Investigating how the brain processes speech in noisy environments for people with normal hearing.
Efferent Auditory Measurements during Continuous Attended Speech in Normal Hearing Listeners With and Without Speech-in-Noise Deficits
This study is looking at how the brain helps people understand speech in noisy places, especially for those who have trouble hearing even though their hearing is normal, to find out how we can improve support and solutions for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10952211 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how the brain's auditory system functions when listening to speech in noisy settings, particularly for individuals who report difficulties despite having normal hearing. It focuses on the efferent auditory pathway, which may help filter out background noise, and examines the relationship between this pathway and the ability to understand speech in challenging listening conditions. By measuring both pre-neural and neural responses to speech, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to speech-in-noise deficits. This could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have normal hearing but experience difficulties in understanding speech amidst background noise.
Not a fit: Patients who have significant hearing loss or other severe auditory disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for individuals struggling to understand speech in noisy environments.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is limited evidence suggesting that understanding the efferent auditory pathway could lead to advancements in treating speech-in-noise deficits.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Spencer — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Smith, Spencer
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.