Understanding how the brain processes complex sounds

Modeling the effects of binaural midbrain coding and efferent gain control on the perception of complex sounds

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11086575

This study is looking at how our ears and brains work together to understand complicated sounds, and it will help both people with normal hearing and those with hearing loss learn more about how we hear and process sounds in different situations.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086575 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the auditory system encodes complex sounds by developing computational models that can predict auditory processing data from various techniques and species. It aims to integrate multiple aspects of auditory processing, including peripheral filtering and binaural integration, to better understand how masking occurs in complex sounds. The study will focus on both normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners, providing insights into how different factors influence sound perception.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with normal hearing and those with hearing impairments who experience difficulties in understanding complex sounds.

Not a fit: Patients with profound hearing loss who do not benefit from auditory processing or assistive devices may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved auditory processing models that enhance the design of assistive hearing devices.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in modeling individual stages of auditory processing, but this integrated approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.