Understanding how calcium affects hearing loss from cochlear injury
Official title: Calcium regulation and outer hair cell sensitivity to cochlear injury
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-10973858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how calcium signals in tiny hair cells in the ear affect hearing, especially when these cells get hurt from things like loud noises or infections, and it’s for people who want to understand how we might protect hearing in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | November 8, 2024 |
| Project end | November 7, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $448,687 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DC022073-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing or at risk for sensorineural hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-cochlear factors or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of calcium signaling in outer hair cells of the cochlea, which are crucial for hearing. It aims to understand how these cells respond to different types of cochlear injury, such as those caused by noise, aging, or infections. By studying mice with and without a specific protein called oncomodulin, researchers will assess how calcium regulation impacts hearing sensitivity and cell survival. The findings could lead to new treatments that protect hearing by targeting these cellular mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that prevent or reduce hearing loss caused by cochlear injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular mechanisms related to hearing loss, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simmons, Dwayne D — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Simmons, Dwayne D
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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.