Understanding how aging affects hearing and the brain's response
Role of olivocochlear efferents in age-related hearing dysfunction
This study looks at how getting older affects our hearing and the brain's ability to process sounds, especially focusing on how changes in certain brain pathways might make it harder to hear clearly; it's designed for older adults who want to understand more about their hearing and explore ways to improve it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10434879 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on hearing and the brain's auditory pathways. It focuses on how age-related changes in the olivocochlear efferents, which are crucial for protecting hearing, may lead to difficulties in processing sounds. By examining these neural mechanisms, the study aims to uncover the relationship between peripheral hearing loss and central auditory dysfunction. The research also explores potential genetic and environmental strategies to enhance the function of these pathways and mitigate hearing deficits in older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have age-related hearing issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving hearing and improving auditory processing in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of auditory pathways in hearing loss, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lauer, Amanda M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lauer, Amanda M.
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.