Understanding how the brain processes changes in sound frequency
Neural and Perceptual Mechanisms for Coding Frequency Modulation
This study is looking at how our brains notice changes in sound, which is really important for understanding speech and music, especially for older adults and those with hearing loss, to help improve hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how our brains perceive changes in sound frequency, which is crucial for understanding speech and music. It focuses on the challenges faced by older adults and those with hearing loss, as their ability to detect these changes often diminishes. By using methods like psychoacoustics, computational modeling, and electroencephalography (EEG), the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms behind frequency modulation sensitivity. The findings could lead to improved hearing aids and cochlear implants that better restore this sensitivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience hearing loss or age-related auditory decline.
Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing who do not experience any difficulties with sound frequency perception may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance communication abilities for older adults and individuals with hearing loss by improving assistive listening devices.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding auditory processing, but this specific approach to frequency modulation sensitivity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whiteford, Kelly L — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Whiteford, Kelly L
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.