Understanding how aging affects hearing at the cellular level

Age-dependent plasticity of central auditory synapses

['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · NIH-10910246

This study is looking at how getting older affects a part of your inner ear that helps you hear, to better understand why some people experience hearing loss as they age, and it could help find new ways to treat it in the future.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TUCSON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10910246 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how age-related changes in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear, affect the central auditory system, which is responsible for processing sound. By examining specific types of auditory nerve synapses and their connections in the cochlear nucleus, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind age-related hearing loss. The researchers will use advanced techniques like electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry to analyze these changes. This work could lead to a better understanding of how hearing loss develops with age and potentially inform future treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals experiencing early signs of hearing loss.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss due to non-age-related factors, such as noise exposure or genetic conditions, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating age-related hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing changes with age, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

TUCSON, 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.