Noise-related hearing loss and brain-to-ear feedback in hearing protection
Official title: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Alters Efferent Control of Central Auditory Hyperactivity
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11438968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $161,405 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC024013-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
The study is research-focused and uses animal models to understand mechanisms; not a direct patient enrollment study.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking immediate clinical treatment options or trials may not benefit directly from this basic mechanistic work.
What this research studies
This project explores how exposure to loud noise alters specific ear-brain connections that normally help protect hearing. Researchers will study LOC neurons, which send signals from the brain back to the ear, and how their activity changes after noise-induced hearing loss. They will examine gene expression and neuron activity to see how these changes relate to central hyperactivity that can accompany hearing loss. The goal is to understand whether these LOC changes help protect hearing or contribute to enduring auditory problems. The work builds on recent findings of unusual LOC firing patterns that may control important neurochemical signals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could reveal new targets to protect hearing after loud noise exposure and reduce related conditions like tinnitus or hyperacusis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests LOC neurons influence cochlear output, but the precise role after noise exposure is still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Hui — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Hong, Hui
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.
-
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.
-
Understanding why age-related hearing loss and tinnitus happen in diverse groups
A study aims to find genetic reasons behind age-related hearing loss and tinnitus in African ancestry and Latino populations.
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.