Understanding Brain Responses to Sound for Better Hearing Tests
Cortical contributions to frequency-following response generation and modulation
This work aims to understand how different parts of the brain contribute to a special hearing test called the frequency-following response, which could help us better understand speech processing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11063177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring how the brain's electrical responses to sound, called frequency-following responses (FFRs), are created and changed. These FFRs are measured non-invasively from the scalp and give us a quick look at how well the brain processes speech. While FFRs were once thought to come mainly from lower brain areas, we now believe that higher brain regions also play a significant role. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways these higher brain areas contribute to FFRs and how they influence our ability to hear and understand speech.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for adults aged 21 and older interested in the basic science of how the brain processes sound and speech.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for a specific hearing condition may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to FFRs becoming a more powerful tool for diagnosing and monitoring various clinical conditions related to hearing and speech processing.
How similar studies have performed: The use of FFRs to understand auditory processing is well-established, and previous work has shown that these responses can be influenced by experience, suggesting a dynamic brain process.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandrasekaran, Bharath — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Chandrasekaran, Bharath
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.