Funding-Research in
Prevention and Treatment of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL); July 3, 2011
Agency
Office of Naval Research
Description
The Office of Naval Research, Warfighter Protection
and Applications Division of the Warfighter 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
of disability compensation by the Veterans Administration (VA) and both greatly
affect our service members. Hearing deficits have a deleterious impact on
operational readiness and service member quality of life. The field of hearing
preservation and restoration covers a broad 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 of
endogenous cells for replacement of lost cells or transplantation of stem
and/or progenitor cells. Endogenous stimulation may include genetic, neurotrophic, pharmacologic, or other approaches. Stem cell
research may include adult or embryonic stem cells. (Note: If the offeror anticipates that the use of embryonic stem cells
may be needed to perform the proposed research, 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 is expected to include information about how the
stem cells to be used in the proposed research were derived.) b. Prevention
and/or treatment of hair cell loss. This may include pharmacologic approaches,
prevention of apoptosis, manipulation of signaling systems, enzyme and/or
antioxidant treatment/mimicry, etc., and the development of novel cochlear
implant technology. 2. Capability to identify individual/population
susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss/tinnitus a. Studies on
genetics/biomarkers. This may include assessing the variations in DNA
sequencing to elucidate genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms that are
correlated to NIHL and/or tinnitus, studies on inheritable traits as risk
factors, or other biomarker/biometric approaches. b. Development and validation
of assessment tools. This may include studies on the use of otoacoustic
emissions, pre-existing hearing loss, or other reliable methods/factors that
can rapidly assess susceptibility. 3. Development of tools and methodologies
that rapidly assess changes in hearing thresholds and recommend the most
effective individual mitigation/treatment strategies. 4. Advanced training
tools for the audiologist and service member that demonstrate hearing loss and tinnitus,
and that promote the correct use of hearing protection. 5. Surgical and
nonsurgical approaches to the treatment of combat-related middle and inner ear
trauma, including reconstruction, replacement, or augmentation of hearing
structures. 6. Basic research elucidating the etiology of tinnitus. 7.
Development of prototype technologies or specifications for prototype
development to monitor/reduce individual noise exposure, either through
passive/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.
Announcement
Number:
ONRBAA11-018
Closing
Date:
Jul 03, 2011
Link
to Full Announcement
http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Contracts-Grants/Funding-Opportunities/Broad-Agency-Announcements.aspx
Contact
Information
Patrick Sisk
Contract Specialist
Phone 703.696.6804 grants.gov questions