# Hyperacusis Caused by Mechanical Abnormalities in the Ear

> **NIH NIH R21** · MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · 2020 · $22,899

## Abstract

Project Summary:
 Compared to neurosensory hyperacusis, many more patients suffer from conductive
hyperacusis due to mechanical abnormalities of the ear that result in hypersensitivity to
sound/vibration transmitted through their bodies. The symptoms of conductive
hyperacusis are characterized by an increased and even distorted sensation of self-
generated or certain external sounds, including one's own voice (autophony), pulsatile
blood flow, footsteps, joint movements, eye movements, and machinery vibrations as
from vehicles. These symptoms are common among patients who suffer pathological
third-window lesions such as superior canal dehiscence, where an opening occurs in the
bone encapsulating the inner ear. Conductive hyperacusis, due to abnormalities in the
passive mechanical system, may be treatable. Recent surgical treatments for
hyperacusis that change the mechanics of structures surrounding the inner ear show
mixed results with some patients experiencing worse symptoms after surgery. Although
these “experimental” surgical treatments in patients are increasing, the mechanisms of
conductive hyperacusis are not well understood, and scientific research targeting this
problem is lacking.
 The goal of the proposed research plan is to understand how mechanical changes in
fresh cadaveric ears, with similar mechanics to the living ear, can increase the cochlear
drive (an estimate of hearing) as in hyperacusis. Our novel intracochlear pressure
measurement technique will monitor the cochlear drive as we manipulate the mechanics
in the middle and inner ear. We aim to: 1) measure effects of superior canal dehiscence
and near-dehiscence on cochlear drive during bone conduction stimulation; 2) determine
the contribution of middle-ear ossicles to hyperacusis; and 3) elucidate mechanisms of
conductive hyperacusis using a finite-element model. This study will increase our
understanding of hyperacusis resulting from mechanical pathologies. Such knowledge
will provide the scientific foundation necessary for the development of effective treatment
plans for a disease that is debilitating for millions of people.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9947922
- **Project number:** 5R21DC017251-03
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
- **Principal Investigator:** Xiying Guan
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $22,899
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2020-08-17

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9947922

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9947922, Hyperacusis Caused by Mechanical Abnormalities in the Ear (5R21DC017251-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9947922. Licensed CC0.

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