The University of Southern California (USC) received a $456,500 Project Grant award from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) under the Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders program (CFDA 93.173). The grant, awarded on September 19, 2024, supports the development of a diagnostic test called "Gain-Sensitive Cochlear Microphonics" (GCM) to assess the functional state and site of damage within the cochlear amplifier, which is crucial for hearing sensitivity and dynamic range. The proposed GCM test aims to provide more precise information on the causes of sensory hearing loss compared to current diagnostic methods, such as otoacoustic emissions. By validating the GCM test in mice and evaluating its ability to differentiate between distinct types of cochlear damage, this project could revolutionize the treatment of hearing loss by enabling more targeted intervention strategies.