Preventing hearing loss caused by loud noises
Official title: Prevention of auditory nerve degeneration in noise-induced hearing loss
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-10923381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how loud noises can cause hearing loss, especially for military personnel, and aims to find new ways to prevent this problem so that veterans can communicate better and enjoy a better quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006478-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are active duty military personnel and veterans who have experienced noise exposure and are at risk for hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to excessive noise or who have pre-existing hearing loss unrelated to noise exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how excessive noise exposure leads to hearing loss, particularly among military personnel. It investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind auditory nerve degeneration and aims to develop effective pre-clinical treatment strategies. By studying the roles of specific RNA binding proteins and glial cells, the research seeks to uncover new ways to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, which is a significant issue for many veterans. The ultimate goal is to improve communication abilities and quality of life for those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent hearing loss in individuals exposed to loud noises, particularly veterans.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research into hearing loss, this specific approach focusing on auditory nerve degeneration and RNA binding proteins is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lang, Hainan — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lang, Hainan
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.