Understanding how the brain helps recover hearing after loss
Official title: The role of mouse auditory cortex and inferior colliculus in recovery from hearing loss
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11165477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain parts of the brain help mice regain their ability to locate sounds after losing their hearing, which could help us understand how to support people with hearing loss, like from ear infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2024 |
| Project end | December 15, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022802-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing unilateral hearing loss, particularly due to common conditions like ear infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bilateral hearing loss or those whose hearing loss is not related to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's auditory cortex and inferior colliculus work together to help recover the ability to locate sounds after hearing loss. Using a mouse model, the study examines how these brain regions adapt and change their activity as the mice regain their sound localization skills. By observing the neural activity during this recovery process, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow the brain to compensate for hearing deficits caused by conditions like ear infections. This could lead to insights into how similar processes might be applied to human hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving sound localization in individuals with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding neural mechanisms in animal models can lead to breakthroughs in treating hearing loss, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcelroy, Abigail — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Mcelroy, Abigail
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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.