Understanding how birds perceive sound fluctuations

Neural bases of masked amplitude-modulation perception

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-10937542

This study is looking at how budgerigars, a type of bird, understand different sounds, especially in noisy places, to help us learn more about how both birds and humans hear and make sense of speech.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10937542 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how birds, specifically budgerigars, process sound fluctuations that are important for understanding speech. By conducting behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind a processing strategy called the 'modulation filterbank,' which helps separate different sounds in noisy environments. The research will involve training the birds to respond to various sound patterns while recording their brain activity to gain insights into their auditory perception. This approach could enhance our understanding of hearing mechanisms that are relevant to both animals and humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with hearing loss or difficulties in speech perception in noisy environments.

Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing who do not experience challenges with sound perception may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for diagnosing and treating hearing impairments in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to understand auditory processing, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.