In this project, Dr Samuel Webb at the University of Sheffield explores how noise damages the ear and whether it can cause faster and earlier hearing loss when we get older.
Project start date: January 2026
Project end date: December 2028
About the project
We do not fully understand why hearing loss gets worse with age, or why some people’s hearing declines faster than others. Recent research shows that people who are exposed to loud noise earlier in life often lose their hearing earlier and faster when they get older. This suggests that loud sounds may cause hidden damage in the ear that only shows up later. However, what form this damage takes, we do not yet exactly know.
In this project, the researcher will look at the ‘medial olivocochlear (MOC)’ system, an internal “volume control” that helps protect the ear from overstimulation and potential damage. Samuel’s earlier research suggests that the MOC system may be particularly vulnerable to noise damage – and that losing this protective system early in life could set the stage for faster hearing decline as we age.
How it works
To test this idea, Samuel will use cutting-edge techniques in a normal hearing mouse model. He will track hearing ability over time, looking at how the MOC suppresses sound, hearing ability in noisy environments, and signs of hidden damage.
By comparing mice exposed to temporary noise damage early in life with those that were not, he will be able to see if early damage to the MOC system leads to faster hearing decline with age.
How will this research benefit people at risk of hearing loss?
This research could help us identify people who are at risk of losing their hearing faster – even before they notice any problems. It could also open the door to new treatments aimed at preserving or restoring this protective system, potentially slowing down or even preventing hearing loss progression.
In the future, findings from this research could also inform the design of smarter hearing aids or cochlear implants that better mimic the natural protective role of the MOC system.
About the researcher
Dr Samuel Webb is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. He was awarded an RNID -Vivensa Foundation Fellowship for this project, funded by the Vivensa Foundation.
I didn’t begin my scientific career with the intention of working in hearing research, but as I learned more, I became increasingly drawn to the complexity of the auditory system and the profound real-world impact of hearing loss. That combination of intellectual challenge and the opportunity to improve people’s lives ultimately led me to commit fully to this field.”
