Understanding how noise trauma affects brain cells involved in hearing.
Official title: Noise Trauma-Induced Cortical PV Neuron Dysfunction
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10885105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how loud noises can harm certain brain cells that help us hear, using mice to understand what happens when these cells are damaged and how it might lead to hearing problems like tinnitus, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $376,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021173-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing auditory processing disorders or tinnitus, particularly those with a history of noise exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have auditory processing issues or have not been exposed to significant noise trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of noise trauma on specific brain cells known as parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the auditory cortex, which are crucial for processing sound. By using rodent models, the study aims to identify the mechanisms that lead to the loss of these neurons and how this loss contributes to auditory processing deficits and conditions like tinnitus. The researchers will analyze brain tissue at various time points after noise exposure to observe cell death and the health of surviving neurons. This work could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for auditory disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for individuals suffering from auditory processing disorders and tinnitus.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being studied are novel, previous research has shown that understanding neuronal loss in the auditory cortex can lead to advancements in treating auditory disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bao, Shaowen — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Bao, Shaowen
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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.