Understanding how aging affects GABA levels in the auditory system
Official title: Age-related GABAergic loss in the central auditory circuits
Funded at Northeast Ohio Medical University · NIH-10886763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how aging affects a brain chemical called GABA that helps us hear, focusing on a part of the brain that processes sound, to better understand why some older adults have trouble hearing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeast Ohio Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rootstown, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $331,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC017708-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing hearing difficulties or auditory processing issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who are not experiencing age-related auditory changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in GABA, an important neurotransmitter, in the central auditory system as people age. It focuses on how the loss of GABA in the inferior colliculus, a key area for processing sound, may contribute to hearing difficulties. The study aims to identify the specific circuits in the auditory system that are affected by this loss and how it relates to age-related hearing deficits. By examining these changes, the research seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms behind auditory processing disorders in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for age-related hearing loss and auditory processing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing changes with age, but this specific focus on GABA loss in the inferior colliculus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mellott, Jeffrey Garrett — Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Study coordinator: Mellott, Jeffrey Garrett
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genetically modified gerbils to study how brain cells help locate sounds
A scientist team will create genetically modified gerbils to understand how specific brain cells in the brainstem help us pinpoint where sounds come from, especially at frequencies similar to human hearing.
-
Auditory Processing in the Amygdala and How It Shapes Social Hearing
This grant studies how the amygdala helps us understand and react to vocal sounds, which could inform ways to support people with brain-inspired communication changes.
-
How swallowing problems can affect infant lungs in a baby model
This grant studies how aspirated liquids during feeding may affect lung health in babies, using a controlled animal model to understand potential links to lung damage.
-
Understanding how brain cells in the ear’s brainstem help localize sound in kids
A study using high-tech brain imaging to understand why children with hearing problems may struggle to locate where sounds come from.
-
GPNMB therapy to help bones regenerate
A GPNMB-based gel that slowly releases bone-healing proteins for people who need bone grafts or spinal fusion.
-
How sex chromosomes and hormones shape brain immune responses in Alzheimer's
This project is looking at whether genetic sex and sex hormones change brain immune cells in Alzheimer's disease to help explain why women are more affected.
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.