The long-range goal of the EarLab project is to create realistic, web-based models capable of predicting human auditory responses to a wide range of acoustic stimuli or environmental insults. Applications range from predicting how acoustic over-stimulation leads to hearing impairment to explaining how humans are able to function in complex acoustic environments. To achieve our goal we will synthesize and integrate existing information on mammalian hearing and create tools that will facilitate effective interaction between investigators from different research disciplines. The models will improve our ability to take the knowledge obtained from animal models and apply it to humans. In the process of constructing and integrating the EarLab models and tools, data gaps will be identified that will need to be filled by future animal and/or human studies. The neuroscience objectives are to: 1) develop an integrated model of cochlear function, 2) develop a model of noise-induced hearing loss, and 3) develop integrated models of sound-source localization. The informatics goals are: 1) to create the computational infrastructure for a web-based auditory modeling environment, 2) to create an intelligent virtual laboratory that will allow rapid reconfiguration of simulations and interchange of model modules, as well as reference information to aid simulation design, and 3) to develop a user interface for model configuration and data visualization.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC004731-04
Application #
6798175
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-Q (02))
Program Officer
Donahue, Amy
Project Start
2001-09-24
Project End
2006-08-31
Budget Start
2004-09-01
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$475,877
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
049435266
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
Mangiardi, Dominic A; McLaughlin-Williamson, Katherine; May, Kara E et al. (2004) Progression of hair cell ejection and molecular markers of apoptosis in the avian cochlea following gentamicin treatment. J Comp Neurol 475:1-18