Understanding the importance of high-frequency hearing in humans

The ecological significance of extended high-frequency hearing in humans

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10875286

This study is looking at how losing the ability to hear high-frequency sounds affects how well people understand speech and can tell where sounds are coming from in everyday life, and it's designed for anyone interested in how hearing loss impacts communication and awareness in daily situations.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-10875286 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how extended high-frequency hearing, which goes beyond the standard audiometric range, impacts speech perception and spatial awareness in everyday situations. The study will create a detailed speech database using recordings from native English speakers and will assess how the loss of these high frequencies affects individuals' ability to understand speech and locate sounds. By simulating high-frequency hearing loss, the research aims to uncover the ecological significance of this aspect of hearing in real-world environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults with normal hearing who are interested in understanding the effects of high-frequency hearing loss on their auditory perception.

Not a fit: Patients with profound hearing loss or those who are unable to participate in auditory testing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved assessments and interventions for individuals with high-frequency hearing loss, enhancing their communication abilities and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the focus on extended high-frequency hearing is less common, similar studies have shown that understanding the full range of hearing can significantly impact auditory processing and communication.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, 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 2026-06-13 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.