Research in Prevention and Treatment of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

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The Office of Naval Research, Warfighter Protection and Applications Division of theWarfighter Performance Department (Code 342) is soliciting white papers (preproposals)and proposals in the following topic areas within the NIHL Program.Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus are currently the largest areas ofdisability compensation by the Veterans Administration (VA) and both greatly affect ourservice members. Hearing deficits have a deleterious impact on operational readiness andservice member quality of life. The field of hearing preservation and restoration covers abroad area of research topics. Research in the following areas is required.1. Capability to preserve and restore hearing.a. Studies of hair cell regeneration. This may include stimulation ofendogenous cells for replacement of lost cells or transplantation of stemand/or progenitor cells. Endogenous stimulation may include genetic,neurotrophic, pharmacologic, or other approaches. Stem cell research mayinclude adult or embryonic stem cells. (Note: If the offeror anticipates thatthe use of embryonic stem cells may be needed to perform the proposedresearch, it must provide adequate information to demonstrate compliance[or a plan of compliance] with applicable executive orders, statutes,regulations, and other guidance on use of pluripotent stem cells. This isexpected to include information about how the stem cells to be used in theproposed research were derived.)b. Prevention and/or treatment of hair cell loss. This may includepharmacologic approaches, prevention of apoptosis, manipulation ofsignaling systems, enzyme and/or antioxidant treatment/mimicry, etc., andthe development of novel cochlear implant technology.2. Capability to identify individual/population susceptibility to noise-inducedhearing loss/tinnitusa. Studies on genetics/biomarkers. This may include assessing the variationsin DNA sequencing to elucidate genotype single nucleotidepolymorphisms that are correlated to NIHL and/or tinnitus, studies oninheritable traits as risk factors, or other biomarker/biometric approaches.b. Development and validation of assessment tools. This may include studieson the use of otoacoustic emissions, pre-existing hearing loss, or otherreliable methods/factors that can rapidly assess susceptibility.3. Development of tools and methodologies that rapidly assess changes in hearingthresholds and recommend the most effective individual mitigation/treatmentstrategies.4. Advanced training tools for the audiologist and service member that demonstratehearing loss and tinnitus, and that promote the correct use of hearing protection.5. Surgical and nonsurgical approaches to the treatment of combat-related middleand inner ear trauma, including reconstruction, replacement, or augmentation ofhearing structures.6. Basic research elucidating the etiology of tinnitus.7. Development of prototype technologies or specifications for prototypedevelopment to monitor/reduce individual noise exposure, either throughpassive/electronic hearing devices or noise exposure reduction.**************************************************************************************************The FULL ANNOUNCEMENT is available on the Grants.gov website by scrolling to the top of the synopsis page and clicking on the "FULL ANNOUNCEMENT" box surrounded by the dotted line at the top of the page.

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