Research

There are some interesting and exciting research projects happening in the world of hearing loss research. Here are just a few of them

Hearing Loss Research Tracker

Hearing Loss Treatment Report

This page tracks new and upcoming treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). What’s in development? What’s promising? What’s available soon? Current topics include stem cell treatment, gene therapy, and more. 

You can subscribe to this page for updates.

The STARFISH Trial

STeroid Administration Routes For Idiopathic Sudden sensorineural Hearing loss

STARFISH is a randomised controlled trial designed to explore the effect of different steroid treatments for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It is a UK-wide study funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

This major study will be the first randomised controlled trial, and first NIHR-funded trial to be run in conjunction with INTEGRATE.

STARFISH is now open for site registration. We are looking for ENT consultants to join as Principle Investigators and ENT trainees to join as NIHR Associate Principle Investigators. Investigators will be supported throughout the setup and delivery of the trial by a dedicated Clinical Trials Unit team. If intratympanic injection or AB speech testing is new to your site training will be provided.

The SeaSHeL Study

National Prospective Cohort Study

There are a number of new treatments being developed for idiopathic (cause unknown) SSNHL based upon recent discoveries in underlying molecular mechanisms. These treatments require rigorous testing in clinical trials before they can become available for clinical use. To allow for such trials to be run effectively, there is an urgent need for information on patient numbers, geographical distribution, demographics, patient and treatment pathways, as well as outcomes.

This study proposes to collect these data through an ENT trainee and Audiologist led nationwide prospective cohort study of adult patients presenting with SSNHL within the National Health Services (NHS). The study will take place at 97 NHS sites across England with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Audiology services.

AUDIBLE-S

Clinical trial for people with sudden hearing loss

A team of researchers and clinicians in London and Sheffield are looking for participants to take part in a clinical trial of a new drug treatment for sudden hearing loss.

Sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an emergency condition, where there is a rapid loss in hearing, usually in one ear, either instantly or over the course of 3 days. Current treatments, steroid tablets or injections given as soon as possible after the start of hearing loss, help hearing recovery in some patients but not all. There is therefore a need for new and better treatments.

Note: If you see a study on this page that is no longer running or have a suggestion for an additional study to be added, please send an email to: carlyannsygrove@gmail.com

Thank you.