Understanding how noise or blast trauma affects hearing through nerve damage
Mechanisms of cochlear synaptopathy after noise or blast trauma
This study is looking into how loud noises can harm your hearing by damaging the connections in your inner ear, and it's for anyone who wants to understand more about hearing loss and find better ways to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10755269 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind hearing loss caused by noise exposure, focusing on cochlear synaptopathy, which is damage to the connections between auditory nerve fibers and hair cells. The researchers aim to identify a correlation between endolymphatic hydrops, a swelling condition in the inner ear, and the swelling of auditory nerve dendrites due to glutamate toxicity. Using advanced imaging techniques, they will measure changes in the cochlea and auditory nerve function to better understand the physiological impacts of noise trauma. The ultimate goal is to find effective treatments to prevent hearing loss resulting from such injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing hearing loss due to noise exposure or blast trauma.
Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss from non-noise-related causes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or mitigate hearing loss caused by noise exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cochlear synaptopathy, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oghalai, John S — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Oghalai, John S
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 below.