Understanding how viruses cause hearing loss
Official title: Molecular etiology of virus-induced sensorineural hearing loss
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10906810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses, like the mumps virus, can cause hearing loss by affecting the inner ear, using mice to help understand what happens and how we might treat it better in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,391 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020271-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced sensorineural hearing loss potentially linked to viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss not associated with viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which viral infections lead to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It focuses on two specific viruses, mumps virus and murine cytomegalovirus, to explore their effects on inner ear cells. The study will establish mouse models to assess the impact of these infections and measure hearing loss through auditory tests. By examining the cellular responses in the cochlea, the research aims to uncover the underlying causes of virus-induced hearing loss and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for patients suffering from hearing loss due to viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding viral impacts on hearing, but this specific approach using novel mouse models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kubota, Marie — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kubota, Marie
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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.