Understanding how certain antibiotics cause hearing loss

Molecular Mechanisms of Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11012844

This study is looking into how certain antibiotics can cause hearing loss, and it's for anyone who might need these medications, as it aims to find ways to protect your hearing while treating serious infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012844 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the harmful effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics, which are effective against serious infections but can lead to irreversible hearing loss. The study focuses on the molecular mechanisms that cause this ototoxicity by examining specific proteins in the inner ear that interact with these antibiotics. Researchers will analyze how these proteins function and their role in the damage caused to sensory cells in the ear. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent hearing loss associated with aminoglycoside use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who are prescribed aminoglycoside antibiotics and are at risk of developing hearing loss.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or who do not have a risk of ototoxicity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to prevent hearing loss in patients treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding ototoxicity mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.