New treatment for hearing loss caused by loud noise
Official title: eiF2B Activators to Treat Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Funded at Jacaranda Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11066188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for people with noise-induced hearing loss, especially those who have been around loud sounds, by using a special medicine that targets a specific process in our cells to help improve their hearing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jacaranda Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,554,254 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DC020069-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises, such as those in construction, military, or recreational settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-noise-related factors, such as age-related hearing loss or genetic conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapy to treat noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is a prevalent condition affecting many individuals, particularly those exposed to loud environments. The approach involves a small molecule therapeutic that targets a specific cellular pathway known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which has not been previously explored for this condition. The research aims to advance this treatment through preclinical development, potentially offering a new solution for those suffering from NIHL. By addressing a significant public health issue, this research seeks to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from noise-induced hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: While noise-induced hearing loss is a common issue, this specific approach targeting the UPR pathway is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Jacaranda Biosciences, INC.
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahl, Russell — Jacaranda Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dahl, Russell
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
Researchers are looking at whether hearing damage from loud noise speeds memory loss and dementia in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
-
Audiological rehabilitation for children with unilateral hearing loss
A research project aims to help children who hear with one ear by testing ways to improve their hearing and communication through targeted audiology interventions.
-
Choosing the right hearing device for kids with moderate-to-severe hearing loss
This grant explores which hearing device—hearing aids or cochlear implants—works best for children aged 0-11 with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and brain-to-ear feedback in hearing protection
A small, patient-friendly study will look at how loud noise changes the brain’s control over hearing and whether this affects conditions like tinnitus or sensitivity to sound.
-
How loud noise can change the brain's sound decisions
This project looks at how loud noise-related hearing loss may affect how people process sounds and make quick decisions about what they hear.
-
Understanding how tactile language and wearable tech can help DeafBlind children learn and use language
A study at Gallaudet University tests a new tactile language and wearable haptic devices to help DeafBlind children build early language and everyday life skills.
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.