Understanding how brain signals affect hearing in noisy environments
Official title: Olivocochlear Efferent Function: Associations with Hearing in Noise and Listening Effort
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11017776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain helps people hear speech better in noisy places, especially for those who find it hard to understand conversations when there's background noise, even if their hearing tests are normal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,302 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020258-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience difficulties hearing speech in background noise.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any hearing difficulties or those with significant hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's olivocochlear system influences the ability to hear speech in noisy settings. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind difficulties that many adults face when trying to listen in background noise, despite having normal hearing tests. By studying two groups of adults—those who report challenges with hearing in noise and those who do not—the research will explore the role of the medial olivocochlear reflex in reducing background noise interference. The findings could lead to better diagnostic and treatment options for individuals struggling with these hearing challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and treatments for adults who have trouble hearing in noisy environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the olivocochlear reflex and its impact on hearing in noise, indicating that this research could provide valuable new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mertes, Ian B. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Mertes, Ian B.
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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.