Understanding hearing problems after mild traumatic brain injury
Official title: Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Auditory Phenotype of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-10986133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the hearing problems people might have after a mild brain injury, like trouble hearing clearly or dealing with ringing in the ears, to better understand what causes these issues and help improve treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,095 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DC019128-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury and are reporting auditory problems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced mild traumatic brain injury or do not have auditory dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the auditory difficulties that individuals experience following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as issues with hearing quality, tinnitus, and understanding speech in noisy environments. By combining non-invasive biomarkers with studies of neurophysiological and anatomical changes, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these auditory dysfunctions. The approach includes both human subjects and animal models to identify common neural signatures associated with mTBI. This comprehensive methodology seeks to enhance our understanding of how mTBI affects the auditory system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for auditory dysfunction in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding sensory dysfunctions following brain injuries, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kozin, Elliott — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Kozin, Elliott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A High-Tech Look Inside the Brain with Diffusion MRI
Researchers are using advanced brain imaging to find biological clues in people who have mild traumatic brain injuries.
-
How neuromodulation may help headaches after a mild brain injury
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New ways to treat chronic pain after mild brain injuries
A research team is studying why some people develop long-lasting pain after a mild head injury and how brain inflammation contributes to it.
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Retraining brain pathways to boost thinking after a mild head injury
A clinical trial tests a brain-training program to improve thinking and memory in people who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
-
Neurobehavioral effects of childhood brain injuries and addiction risk in twins
This grant studies how mild traumatic brain injury in childhood might influence behavior and the chance of developing addictive behaviors later in life, using twins to understand what’s due to injury versus other factors.
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Understanding and improving reactive balance after mild traumatic brain injury
This grant tests how people recover their balance after a mild brain injury and how targeted training could help prevent falls.
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.