Why some adults get tinnitus, sound sensitivity, or trouble hearing in noisy places
Maladaptive central plasticity and suprathreshold hearing disorders in humans with sensorineural hearing loss and their relation to biomarkers of cochlear synaptopathy
Researchers will link ear-nerve damage and the brain's overreaction to explain tinnitus, sound sensitivity, and difficulty hearing in background noise in adults with sensorineural hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158999 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you may have hearing tests, questionnaires about tinnitus and loudness, and noninvasive brain and ear measurements to look for signs of nerve loss and brain over-activity. The team combines human testing with biomarkers of cochlear synaptopathy and insights from animal and lab work to connect ear damage to changes in the brain. Tests may include auditory brainstem responses, behavioral listening tasks in noise, and possibly biological samples tied to cochlear nerve health. The goal is to pinpoint measurable signs that explain why some people hear phantom sounds or find everyday sounds unbearably loud.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with sensorineural hearing loss, a history of noise exposure or aging, and symptoms such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, or trouble hearing in noisy places would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People with normal hearing, pure conductive hearing loss, or no symptoms of tinnitus or sound sensitivity are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help create better tests to identify the cause of tinnitus and sound sensitivity and point toward treatments that calm the brain's overreaction.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and a growing number of human studies support the idea that cochlear nerve loss can drive brain hyperactivity, but translating these findings into clear clinical tests and treatments is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polley, Daniel B. — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Polley, Daniel B.
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.