Understanding how hearing loss affects sound processing in the brain
Official title: Binaural Spectral and Temporal Integration with Hearing Loss and Hearing Devices
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11165967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how people with hearing loss hear and understand sounds differently, especially when using hearing aids or cochlear implants, to help figure out why some have a harder time understanding speech in noisy places.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,162 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022777-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with hearing loss who use hearing aids or cochlear implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who do not use hearing devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with hearing loss process sounds differently, particularly when using hearing aids or cochlear implants. It focuses on the integration of sound information from both ears, which is crucial for understanding speech in noisy environments. By examining the brain's ability to fuse sounds from each ear, the study aims to identify why some patients struggle more than others with speech recognition, especially in challenging listening situations. The research employs advanced auditory testing and analysis techniques to gather data on these auditory processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hearing devices that enhance speech understanding in noisy environments for individuals with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding auditory processing can lead to advancements in hearing technology, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reiss, Lina a. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Reiss, Lina a.
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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.