Understanding why some people with hearing loss struggle to comprehend speech.
Physiological determinants of suprathreshold deficits in sensorineural hearing loss
This study is looking at how certain physical changes in the ear affect how well people with hearing loss, especially those using hearing aids, can understand speech in noisy places, and it hopes to find ways to help improve their listening experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11104418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the physiological factors that affect speech understanding in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, particularly those using hearing aids. It aims to identify how damage to hair cells in the cochlea and changes in neural circuits impact the ability to discern speech from background noise. By studying both animal models and human patients, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to difficulties in understanding audible speech. The findings could lead to improved strategies for enhancing speech comprehension in noisy environments for those with hearing loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who experience sensorineural hearing loss and have difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy settings.
Not a fit: Patients with conductive hearing loss or those who do not experience difficulties in speech comprehension may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better hearing aids and therapies that significantly improve speech understanding for individuals with hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the physiological mechanisms of hearing loss, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bharadwaj, Hari Meenakshisundaram — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Bharadwaj, Hari Meenakshisundaram
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.