Award
NIH Reporter #1R21DC021794-01A1
Gain-sensitive cochlear microphonics - a diagnostic test of functional and physiological effects of sensory hearing loss
Recipient
University of Southern California
Award Amount
$456,500.00
Ceiling
$456,500.00
Awarded
September 19, 2024
Identifier
1R21DC021794-01A1
This award funds the development and validation of a novel diagnostic test for cochlear amplification to improve diagnosis and treatment of sensory hearing loss.
Description
The research aims to develop a diagnostic test of cochlear amplification by recording cochlear microphonics (CM), representing the electrical fields of stimulated outer hair cells (OHCs). The test, called gain-sensitive CM (gCM), will assess the functional state of cochlear amplification and identify damage sites within the cochlea. It combines place-specific properties of cochlear two-tone suppression with intracochlear motion findings. The hypothesis is that suppression of CM responses is controlled by local gain changes, allowing detection of dysfunctional OHC regions and evaluation of the dynamic range of the amplifier. The project will validate the gCM in mice, comparing it to invasive measures and established OAE tests, and assess site- and place-specificity using healthy and hearing-impaired mice. The goal is to improve diagnosis and targeted treatment of sensory hearing loss.