Understanding the Importance of High-Frequency Hearing
The ecological significance of extended high-frequency hearing in humans
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11128336
This project explores how hearing very high-pitched sounds impacts how we understand speech and our awareness of surroundings in everyday situations.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11128336 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Hearing loss is often measured only for sounds up to 8,000 Hz, but young, healthy ears can hear much higher frequencies, up to 20,000 Hz. This project aims to understand how losing the ability to hear these extended high frequencies, a common age-related change, affects daily life. Researchers will create a detailed database of speech sounds and then test how simulated high-frequency hearing loss impacts how people understand speech and perceive where sounds are coming from. This will help us learn if this type of hearing loss truly affects our ability to communicate and navigate our environment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies might be adults with normal hearing or those experiencing early signs of age-related high-frequency hearing loss.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hearing loss in the standard frequency range may not directly benefit from this specific focus on extended high frequencies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to test hearing and help people with high-frequency hearing loss improve their daily communication and spatial awareness.
How similar studies have performed: While some foundational work exists, this specific exploration into the ecological value of extended high-frequency hearing in daily life is a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN — CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MONSON, BRIAN BRUCE — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Study coordinator: MONSON, BRIAN BRUCE
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.