Understanding how the brain processes listening effort in noisy environments
Elucidating neural circuits and pupil readouts of motivated effortful listening
This study looks at how people with hearing loss find it hard to listen in noisy places, like parties, and uses a special technique to see how much effort they’re putting in, hoping to understand why it can be so tiring for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10673174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with hearing loss experience listening effort in noisy settings, such as social gatherings. It uses a method called pupillometry, which measures pupil size as an indicator of cognitive load during listening tasks. By studying the neural circuits involved in this process, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to listening effort and fatigue. The approach involves behavioral experiments with mice to simulate listening challenges and assess their responses to different levels of auditory difficulty.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss who struggle with listening in noisy environments.
Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing who do not experience listening effort may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies and technologies for helping individuals with hearing loss manage listening effort and enhance their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive load through physiological measures like pupillometry, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcginley, Matthew J — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mcginley, Matthew J
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.