Project Grant R01DC024060

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders awarded The Johns Hopkins University $654,879 on July 17, 2026, under the Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders program (CFDA 93.173) to investigate cortical representations of electrical stimulation in cochlear implant recipients.

The research elucidates fundamental neural coding and plasticity mechanisms responsible for cortical processing of cochlear implant signals. The project employs optical imaging and high-density multi-electrode recording techniques to quantify cortical neural activity across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Three specific aims guide the work: characterizing how to better activate primary auditory cortex neurons using alternative cochlear implant stimulation strategies beyond conventionally used monopolar or bipolar approaches; characterizing neural responses to cochlear implant stimulation in non-primary auditory cortex lateral belt and para-belt areas; and studying how to improve auditory cortex neuron activation through learning-induced plasticity. Results will inform rehabilitation strategies following cochlear implant implantation.

The project runs from the award date through May 31, 2031, with performance in Baltimore, Maryland. This is a Project Grant, the largest funding category within the program, supporting biomedical research and development across universities, medical schools, and research institutes.