Understanding and reversing age-related hearing loss
Determinants of age-induced hearing loss and reversal strategies
Researchers are exploring how aging harms ear cells and nerves and testing ways to restore hearing for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to find why hearing steadily worsens with age by studying changes in ear neurons, myelin insulation, and neural circuitry. The team uses multiple linked projects and shared lab cores, combining genetics, imaging, analytical chemistry, and animal models to map cellular and structural changes across the auditory pathway. By comparing results across scales and techniques, they plan to pinpoint targets that could be reversed or protected. The work is intended to lead toward therapies or tests that could help people with presbycusis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related (sensorineural) hearing loss would be the most likely candidates for related clinical trials or participation.
Not a fit: People with hearing loss from sudden injury, congenital causes, or conductive problems like ear canal blockage may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or tests that prevent or restore hearing loss in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Some preclinical and early clinical work targeting nerve health and myelination shows promise, but full reversal of age-related hearing loss in humans remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamoah, Ebenezer N — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Yamoah, Ebenezer N
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.