Understanding Hair Cells for Hearing and Balance

Hair Bundle Proteins

['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11131125

This project explores how hair cells in the ear develop and work, hoping to find new ways to help people with deafness and balance problems.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11131125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our long-term goal is to understand the tiny hair bundles in your ears that are essential for hearing and balance. We want to discover how these hair bundles grow and function normally, and why defects in them can lead to deafness and balance issues. By uncovering these fundamental mechanisms, we aim to identify new pathways that could be targeted to improve or even restore hearing and balance. This work could eventually lead to strategies for regenerating damaged hair cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone affected by or at risk of deafness and balance disorders, as it aims to uncover underlying biological mechanisms.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments will not directly benefit from this basic science project, as it focuses on fundamental biological understanding.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or regeneration strategies for hearing loss and balance disorders.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous work in understanding hair cell development and function, expanding its scope to new areas of investigation.

Where this research is happening

PORTLAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.