Understanding hearing issues in veterans with normal hearing tests
Resolving the Paradox of Hearing Complaints with a Normal Audiogram: Differential Diagnosis and Perceptual Impacts of Cochlear Deafferentation
This study is looking into why some veterans have hearing problems even when their hearing tests look normal, and it hopes to find new ways to understand and treat these issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates why some veterans experience hearing complaints despite having normal audiograms. It explores the potential loss of connections between inner hair cells and auditory nerve fibers, which may lead to these perceptual issues. The study aims to identify different types of auditory damage that current tests cannot detect, using advanced physiological measures like auditory brainstem responses. By understanding these underlying issues, the research seeks to improve treatment options for affected veterans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who report hearing complaints but have normal audiogram results.
Not a fit: Patients with hearing complaints that are clearly identifiable through standard audiological tests may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for veterans experiencing unexplained hearing problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that advanced physiological measures can effectively identify auditory issues in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Portland VA Medical Center — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bramhall, Naomi — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bramhall, Naomi
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.