Project Grant R01DC023511

Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) awarded the University of Southern California a $773,199 Project Grant effective July 1, 2026, through April 30, 2031, under the Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders program (CFDA 93.173). This award funds research to develop new imaging technologies for visualizing the human cochlea and diagnosing inner ear diseases such as Meniere's disease. The research addresses a critical clinical gap: current diagnostic tools (MRI and CT imaging) lack sufficient resolution to detect endolymphatic hydrops (fluid buildup in the inner ear) during life, with confirmation possible only through post-mortem histopathology. The project proposes utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) combined with two-photon laser ablation techniques to enable high-resolution imaging of cochlear structures and measure their functional response to sound stimuli in living patients, potentially transforming the diagnosis and management of inner ear disorders.

The research deliverables include the development and validation of advanced imaging methodologies that overcome current bone-penetration limitations of OCT technology by employing precision laser techniques already established in ophthalmic surgery. This approach aims to provide clinicians with detailed visualization of inner ear pathology while avoiding the risks associated with traditional surgical drilling methods. The project is being conducted at USC's Los Angeles, California facility and contributes to the broader NIH research portfolio addressing solutions to deafness and communication disorders affecting quality of life through vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.