Understanding how the brain locates sounds in noisy environments
Official title: Neural basis of precedence-type sound localization processes
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11121624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains figure out where sounds come from, using gray treefrogs to learn more about this process, and the results could help us understand hearing better, especially for people with age-related hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,530 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC022648-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss or deficits in sound localization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who do not experience age-related hearing changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes sound localization, particularly focusing on phenomena like the precedence effect, which helps us identify where sounds are coming from, especially in challenging listening situations. By studying the auditory responses of gray treefrogs, the research aims to uncover the neural mechanisms behind these processes. The findings could enhance our understanding of auditory perception in humans, particularly for those experiencing age-related hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing hearing loss and enhancing auditory perception in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding auditory processing through similar experimental approaches, indicating potential for meaningful advancements in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alluri, Rishi Kiran — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Alluri, Rishi Kiran
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.