Understanding how early cochlear implant use affects brain adaptation
Official title: Neuroplasticity and early cochlear implant use
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10866149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain learns to make sense of sounds again after getting a cochlear implant, helping people with severe hearing loss understand their hearing journey better and find ways to improve their experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,928 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DC021727-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are considering or have recently received cochlear implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have severe or profound hearing loss or those who are not candidates for cochlear implants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the adult brain adapts to cochlear implants, which are devices that help restore hearing for individuals with severe hearing loss. By studying both humans and rodents, the research aims to uncover the neuroplastic changes that occur when a person begins using a cochlear implant. The goal is to understand how the brain processes initially unclear sounds into meaningful auditory experiences over time. This knowledge could lead to improved strategies for rehabilitation and better counseling for cochlear implant users.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cochlear implants and improve the auditory experiences of patients with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuroplasticity related to auditory devices, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hight, Ariel Edward — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hight, Ariel Edward
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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.