Hearing Restoration Through Synaptic Plasticity Directed by Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Abstract
Hearing loss is the second most common service-connected disability, and most patients are not satisfied with the current technology developed to treat it. This project will test a novel approach to treat hearing loss. Rather than trying to treat the damage done to the ear, the goal of the study is to develop a non-invasive method to improve the way the brain processes speech after hearing loss. There is every reason to believe that neural plasticity mechanisms can be harnessed so that patients can benefit more from the hearing that they have left. The goal is to restore productivity and quality of life for individuals with moderate hearing loss. Non-invasive therapies pose little to no risk. Successful treatment could yield benefits for years without further therapy. The proposed study will provide the initial proof-of-concept rat study needed to begin human clinical trials. Our group has twice converted proof-of-concept rat studies into successful clinical trials in three years time. If the project is successful in rats, it is reasonable to expect that this therapy would be tested in patients within the same timeframe. The proposed research project represents the critical next step to testing a completely new approach to treating one of the most common and debilitating conditions in the world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810399
Entities
People
- Michael P Kilgard
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Texas at Dallas