Using mild cooling to protect hearing during cochlear implant surgeries

Application of mild therapeutic hypothermia for hearing conservation during cochlear implant surgeries

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-10996115

This study is looking at how gentle cooling during cochlear implant surgery might help protect your hearing by reducing inflammation and stress on the delicate parts of your ear, with the goal of improving your long-term hearing results.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10996115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of mild therapeutic hypothermia to protect hair cells and neural structures in the cochlea during cochlear implant surgeries. By applying localized cooling, the study aims to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can lead to hearing loss. The research will assess the safety and effectiveness of this cooling technique and develop protocols to enhance long-term hearing outcomes for patients. It employs advanced molecular biology and immunohistochemistry methods to understand the protective mechanisms involved.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young patients under 11 years old who are receiving cochlear implants and have some level of residual hearing.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have residual hearing or are not candidates for cochlear implants may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help preserve residual hearing in patients undergoing cochlear implant surgeries, leading to better speech perception outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using therapeutic hypothermia in other medical contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

CORAL GABLES, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.