New research reveals the unique patterns of gene expression in specific neurons in the brain that process the signals of sound and enable communication.
Balance in Older Mice Relies on Specific Brain Cells
This study suggests that this class of neurons may compensate for age-related loss of vestibular function to maintain balance performance in older animals.
Analysis of Six Gene Delivery Methods in the Mouse Model
By understanding which AAV serotype works best for delivering genetic instructions to specific brain cells and sharing this information in an open-access journal, researchers can design better experiments and potentially develop treatments for brain-related conditions.
Beyond Words: The Impact of Cognitive Load on Children’s Sentence Comprehension
These findings support the idea that comprehension challenges can stem from cognitive limitations besides language structure. For educators and clinicians, this suggests that sentence comprehension measures can provide insights into children’s cognitive strengths and areas that need support.
Genetic Reprogramming Regenerates Lost Hair Cells in the Mature Mouse Inner Ear
Our results suggest that mature cochlear supporting cells can be reprogrammed into sensory hair cells, providing a possible target for hair cell regeneration in mammals.
Emerging Research Grants: Call for Applications
The Emerging Research Grants program is a competitive process that awards grants to only the most promising investigators. Recipients are exceptionally well-positioned to secure subsequent funding from major federal funders. In fact, ERG awardees (2002–present) have gone on to be awarded an average of $59 in federal research funding for every dollar of their ERG grant.
Impact 2024
Hearing Health Foundation’s mission to fund innovative, groundbreaking hearing and balance science is only possible because of you. We are grateful for the support of our community.
Meet the 2025 Emerging Research Grants Scientists
Lower Frequencies Boost Ability of Older Adults to Separate Sounds
These findings mean lower-frequency sounds may help older adults better understand complex sound environments. This may be useful for designing better hearing aids or other devices to help older people hear more clearly.
Auditory Input Regulates the Real-Time Coordination of Speech Movements
Our results are consistent with the theory that people rely on auditory information to coordinate the motor control of their vocal tract in service to speech production and opens up many new, critically important questions about people with congenital auditory deficits.