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Modeling cochlear micromechanics and noninvasive measures of cochlear function

Award Number: R01DC016114
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2017
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2030

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Modeling cochlear micromechanics and noninvasive measures of cochlear function - PROJECT SUMMARY Normal hearing requires amplification of the cochlear response to low-level sounds through a mechanism known as the cochlear amplifier, which is closely tied to the electromechanical feedback from outer hair cells; however, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cochlear amplification is still incomplete. Recent in vivo experiments have revealed that the micromechanical vibrations of the organ of Corti are influenced by outer hair cells in intricate and unexpected ways. Hydrodynamic coupling between the organ of Corti vibrations and the intracochlear fluid, which plays a role in cochlear amplification, is not well understood. In addition to facilitating the detection of low-level sound, the feedback from outer hair cells gives rise to measurable sounds in the ear canal called otoacoustic emissions. While otoacoustic emissions are not known to play any functional role, they provide highly valuable noninvasive information about cochlear amplification and health, including for clinical hearing screening. However, the precise connection between the micromechanical vibrations of the organ of Corti and otoacoustic emissions remains unclear, which hampers the ability of otoacoustic emissions to accurately locate cochlear damage for noninvasive diagnosis. Measurements of the cochlear microphonics (an electrical potential generated by outer hair cells) at the round window can also provide information about cochlear function but are limited in part by the lack of understanding of electrical coupling within the cochlear ducts. The overall objectives of this project are to advance knowledge regarding the key mechanisms of active cochlear mechanics and to clarify the potential of noninvasive measurements (specifically, otoacoustic emissions and round window cochlear microphonics) in offering valuable insights into cochlear function. This research is based on the development of novel, physiologically motivated computational models of the inner ear. These models are specifically designed to address crucial questions in cochlear mechanics highlighted by recent experimental findings. Throughout the project, models will be calibrated, validated, and tested using data from relevant literature and new experiments. Aim 1 will assess the impact of hydrodynamic fluid coupling to the upper surface of the organ of Corti on cochlear amplification. Aim 2 will determine the roles of two distinct mechanisms in giving rise to longitudinal motion of the organ or Corti. Aim 3 will evaluate the link between micromechanics of the organ of Corti and non-invasive measures based on round window cochlear microphonics and otoacoustic emissions using a high-fidelity model of cochlear electro- and hydro-mechanics.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $464,333 )
2025	2025	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORP	926 DALNEY ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	6	9/11/2025	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$498,618
2025	2022	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORP	926 DALNEY ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	5	1/31/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$34,285
														Subtotal = $464,333

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $257,060 )
2022	2022	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	926 DALNEY ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30332	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	5	8/5/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$257,060
														Subtotal = $257,060

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $224,060 )
2021	2021	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	926 DALNEY ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30332	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	4	8/9/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$224,060
														Subtotal = $224,060

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $224,569 )
2020	2020	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	926 DALNEY ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	3	7/23/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$224,569
														Subtotal = $224,569

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $225,052 )
2019	2019	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	505 10TH ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	002	2	8/5/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$190,767
2019	2018	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	505 10TH ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	1	4/10/2019	NEW	$0
2019	2018	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	926 DALNEY ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	3/7/2019	NEW	$34,285
														Subtotal = $225,052

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $259,045 )
2018	2018	GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION	505 10TH ST NW	ATLANTA	GA	30318	FULTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	7/5/2018	NEW	$259,045
														Subtotal = $259,045

Grand Total All Awards = $1,654,119

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Modeling cochlear micromechanics and noninvasive measures of cochlear function

Award Number: R01DC016114

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2017

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2030

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