Understanding how hair bundles in the ear convert sound into electrical signals
Official title: Probing how hair bundle mechanical properties shape the mechanotransducer receptor current
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10931625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny hair structures in your ears that help you hear and balance, to understand how they work and respond to sounds and changes over time, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $652,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021448-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic hearing disorders, such as Usher syndrome, as well as those experiencing age-related hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-auditory conditions or those whose hearing loss is not related to hair bundle dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanical properties of hair bundles in auditory and vestibular sensory cells, which play a crucial role in converting sound vibrations into electrical signals. By examining the structure and function of these hair bundles, the study aims to uncover how they respond to mechanical forces and how this affects their ability to transmit signals. The research employs advanced biophysical techniques to analyze the interactions between the hair bundle's components and their response to various stimuli, including sound and aging. Insights gained from this research could lead to new therapies for hearing loss and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for hearing loss and genetic disorders affecting auditory function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding hair cell mechanics and their role in hearing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ricci, Anthony J — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ricci, Anthony J
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.