Projects that are making a difference

Do potassium channels have a role in tinnitus? – Dr Martine Hamann, University of Leicester

 

Approximately five million people in the UK can hear ‘phantom’ sounds – a condition known as tinnitus.  

The researchers have found that noise exposure leading to tinnitus also leads to abnormal electrical activity in the nerves between the ear and the brain. This is due to activity in a specific protein in the surface of cells that forms a channel to allow potassium to flow into the cells.  This potassium channel is a potential target for future drug treatments of this debilitating condition. 
 

Measuring human brain process during sound localisation – Dr Paul Briley, Prof Quentin Summerfield, University of York

 

Many older listeners report difficulties in understanding people talking in noisy situations.  

This research is aimed at understanding the electrical activity that occurs in the brain while listening to sound from a number of sources.  This might allow us to identify changes that could be used for diagnostics and new treatments, such as listening training and drugs that improve brain functions.

The Crescent of Sound - used to investigate sound localisation.