Understanding and treating auditory synapse degeneration
Official title: Regeneration of Auditory Synapses
Funded at John D Dingell VA Medical Center · NIH-10876924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain connections in the ear that help us hear can break down, even when our hearing seems fine, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with hearing problems caused by things like brain injuries or getting older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | John D Dingell VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX003866-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with auditory processing issues, particularly those with a history of traumatic brain injury or age-related hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely conductive hearing loss or those without any auditory processing deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the degeneration of auditory synapses, particularly focusing on the spiral ganglion neuron-cochlear nucleus synapse, which is crucial for transmitting auditory signals to the brain. It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this degeneration, which can occur even when hearing thresholds appear normal. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic approaches to address auditory processing deficits associated with conditions like traumatic brain injury and age-related hearing loss. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for auditory dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore auditory function and improve quality of life for individuals with auditory processing deficits.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on central auditory synaptopathy is relatively novel, previous research has shown success in understanding and treating peripheral auditory synaptopathy.
Where this research is happening
-
John D Dingell VA Medical Center
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Zhengqing — John D Dingell VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hu, Zhengqing
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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.