Investigating treatments for age-related hearing loss and balance issues in older veterans
Official title: Age Related Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10954257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help older veterans, aged 65 and up, who are dealing with hearing loss and balance issues by testing two possible treatments to see if they can slow down or lessen these problems, especially after being exposed to loud noises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004226-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who are experiencing age-related hearing loss or balance disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without hearing loss or balance issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding effective treatments for age-related hearing loss and balance disorders, particularly in veterans aged 65 and older. The study will explore the use of two potential treatments, rapamycin and 17-α-estradiol, to see how they can delay or reduce hearing loss associated with aging. Researchers will also examine the impact of these treatments when administered after noise exposure, which is common among veterans. The goal is to improve auditory and balance functions, enhancing the quality of life for older veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve hearing and balance for older veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar treatments for age-related conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Altschuler, Richard — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Altschuler, Richard
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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.