Impact of inflammation on age related hearing loss.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of inflammation on the progression of age-related hearing loss.
IRAS ID
138418
Contact name
Tracey Newman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 16 days
Research summary
There is little understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying age-related hearing loss. Evidence suggests that systemic inflammation may contribute to the progression of the disease. We propose a 3-year longitudinal study in which we will recruit 100 elderly individuals. During the first year of the study there will be monthly data collection aimed at categorising the immune status of participants. Hearing evaluation and blood measures of inflammatory status will be undertaken at the start, 12 months and 36 months of the study to determine whether the identification of individuals with an altered inflammatory response over time will predict individuals at risk of worse ARHL outcome. If the hypothesis is proven, it will help develop a simple test battery that can be used in the community to identify the cohort of individuals who are susceptible to the greatest deterioration of age-related change in hearing function.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0507
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion