Hearing

Hearing capability encompasses prevention, rapid diagnosis, and treatment of auditory system injuries—sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, tinnitus, and blast-induced auditory trauma often co‑occurring with TBI. Clinical priorities include field-deployable audiometry, objective biomarkers (OAEs, ABR), tympanometry, protective technologies, pharmacologic otoprotection, and regenerative strategies.

Technical Challenges

  • Differentiating peripheral auditory injury from central auditory processing deficits associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

  • Limited objective, rapid diagnostics suitable for austere, prolonged-field-care settings (portable OAE/ABR, validated screening algorithms).

  • High prevalence of blast and impulse-noise exposure causing complex polytrauma and mixed conductive/sensorineural injury.

  • Inadequate otoprotective pharmacologics and lack of effective post-exposure therapeutics to prevent permanent hair-cell or neural loss.

  • Balancing robust hearing protection with need for situational awareness and communication in operational environments.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Field-deployable, validated objective tests that operate without specialist audiologists and that integrate with telemedicine platforms.

  • Targeted, evidence-based otoprotective agents or interventions effective when administered after noise/blast exposure.

  • Regenerative therapies or neural repair strategies that restore complex acoustic signal transduction and speech discrimination.

  • Standardized outcome measures and longitudinal tracking for auditory function after combat exposures and delayed evacuations.

Current and Emerging Technologies in Hearing

Portable objective audiometry and biomarker devices

Handheld audiometers, smartphone-based pure-tone and speech-in-noise tests, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) systems for rapid, objective field screening and triage.

Smart hearing protection and active hearing augmentation

Adaptive earplugs, situationally aware headsets, and bone-conduction systems that preserve situational awareness while reducing impulse-noise exposure in combat and training.

Pharmacologic otoprotection and targeted anti-inflammatory approaches

Small molecules, antioxidants, and delivery systems (local and systemic) to mitigate hair-cell death, synaptopathy, and inflammation after noise or blast exposure.

Regenerative and gene therapies

Hair-cell regeneration, gene-editing, and neurotrophic strategies aimed at restoring cochlear function and auditory nerve integrity for permanent sensorineural loss.

Advanced implants, signal processing, and AI diagnostics

Next-generation cochlear and brainstem implants, machine-learning noise reduction, and AI-driven diagnostic and outcome-prediction tools to optimize rehabilitation.

Importance to Military Medicine

Preserve Warfighter readiness and performance

Untreated hearing loss and tinnitus degrade communication, command-and-control, and situational awareness—directly impacting mission effectiveness.

Combat casualty and prolonged field care relevance

Blast injuries and polytrauma frequently involve auditory structures; field-capable diagnostics and interventions improve triage, evacuation decisions, and long-term outcomes.

Reduce long-term disability and healthcare burden

Early detection and intervention lessen chronic disability, preserve force retention, and reduce lifetime care costs for service members.

Enable austere and distributed care models

Tele-audiology, portable testing, and ruggedized devices support prolonged and distributed care in far-forward environments.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Accelerates translation of auditory diagnostics and therapeutics from bench to battlefield, consistent with MTEC’s DoD-focused mission to deliver operationally relevant medical solutions.

Encourages multidisciplinary projects—audiology, otology, neurotrauma, biomedical engineering, and data science—aligned with MTEC’s collaborative consortium model.

Prioritizes dual-use impact and rapid clinical validation to improve Warfighter health while generating civilian benefit, a core MTEC objective.

Supports distributed care and telehealth innovations that integrate with existing DoD prolonged-field-care initiatives and readiness goals.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Civilian hearing healthcare: mobile screening, occupational noise management, and chronic care for aging populations.

Emergency and disaster response: rapid auditory triage and portable diagnostics for mass-casualty or austere incidents.

Commercial and consumer wearables: integration of hearing protection, situational awareness, and health-monitoring features.

Rehabilitation technologies and implants that translate to broader clinical populations with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.

Explore MTEC Members with Hearing Capabilities

MTEC members bring cross-disciplinary expertise—otology, audiology, neurotrauma, engineering, and clinical trial infrastructure—to accelerate validation and regulatory pathways.

Members offer access to military clinical sites, prosthetics and implant developers, and telemedicine platforms enabling deployment-ready solutions for austere care.

Collaborations supported by MTEC de-risk innovation through shared resources, joint studies, and targeted solicitations to move promising hearing technologies into practice.

Explore member profiles to identify partners with experience in audiologic device development, otoprotective pharmacology, regenerative research, and tele-audiology deployment.

55 Members with Hearing capabilities.

Member
Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Member
Aware Custom Biometric Wearables

Aware Custom Biometric Wearables, is a leading innovator in cutting-edge in-ear technology, specializing in superior custom hearing protection solutions and biometric hearables. Our groundbreaking in-ear solutions feature enhanced hearing capabilities, continuous monitoring, and the collection of medical-grade biometric data, all designed to enhance human performance and safeguard lives. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our meticulously crafted in-ear devices. Thanks to our patented 3D Ear Scanner technology, we provide a custom fit tailored to the unique shape of each individual's ear which optimizes the performance of sensors. Aware is transforming the ear into a dynamic platform for health and human performance by collecting medical-grade data, delivering actionable AI-driven insights, and enabling precision therapeutics within devices we wear in our everyday lives. Our technology serves a diverse range of sectors within healthcare, military, and industrial. Proudly U.S.-based, offices in Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA. www.AwareCBW.com.

Member
Auburn University

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

Member
University of Arkansas

The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

Member
The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.

Member
Boston University

Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.

Member
Baylor University

Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Member
Exponent

Exponent is a multidisciplinary science and engineering consulting firm serving sectors including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and consumer products. From medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and supplements to digital health and wearables, we deliver rigorous science that quantifies impacts on human health. Exponent helps you push the envelope on the development, deployment, safety, and effectiveness of cutting-edge drugs, devices, and diagnostics — concomitantly balancing benefits and risks. Count on our multidisciplinary, data-driven, evidence-based assessments to give you clarity on your most complex product needs and challenges. With lives on the line, innovations that support healthcare demand the highest levels of scientific rigor. Whether you’re developing a novel drug, a sturdier stent, or a faster flu test, you need clear answers to complex questions, quickly. Exponent supports our life sciences clients across the total product lifecycle by solving critical design, regulatory, safety, and market access challenges. We can collaborate with you throughout your journey, helping you navigate risks and opportunities — and optimize outcomes — with science-based strategies and specialized expertise.

Member
Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue. The company aims to restore people's bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. With a commitment to medical education and improving patient outcomes, Smith+Nephew operates in over 100 countries and is dedicated to sustainability and community health. Their purpose is to promote health and wellbeing, not just through their products but also by ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment. Smith+Nephew is also committed to increasing diversity within the medical device industry through initiatives like the Orthopaedics for All global advisory board.

Member
University of Maryland, Baltimore

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is Maryland’s public health, law, and human services university. It is dedicated to improving the human condition and serving the public good through education, research, clinical care, and service. UMB is the founding campus of the University System of Maryland and offers a wide range of professional degrees in health care, human services, and law.

Member
University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a top doctoral and research institution located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Established in 1947, UNCW has grown to serve nearly 18,000 students and employs about 2,500 staff. The university is dedicated to providing a powerful academic experience that fosters creative inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful expression in a beautiful coastal setting. UNCW is committed to educational excellence, community engagement, and global connections, making it a vibrant part of the southeastern North Carolina community. UNCW also emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression and mutual respect within its diverse community.

Member
University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is dedicated to transforming today's learners into tomorrow's leaders through innovative education, research, and community engagement. With over 125 academic programs, UMKC fosters a diverse and inclusive environment that empowers students to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

Member
Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. With a history of innovation spanning nearly 150 years, Mayo Clinic is committed to transforming healthcare through research, education, and compassionate care, ensuring that the best possible treatment is available to everyone.

Member
Temple University

Temple University is Philadelphia’s only public university and a global center of academic excellence. It is classified as an R1 institution, indicating very high research activity, and offers over 600 academic programs across 17 diverse schools and colleges. The university is committed to providing accessible education that fosters positive change and prepares students to become leaders in their fields. Additionally, Temple emphasizes a vibrant campus life enriched by arts, culture, and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The university also promotes a tobacco-free environment to enhance the health and well-being of its community. Temple's athletics program further enhances student life, with 19 varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division I level, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Member
University of Kentucky

The Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) at the University of Kentucky is dedicated to transforming tomorrow by streamlining grants and contracts. OSPA provides essential services to faculty and staff, including assistance with proposal preparation, award negotiation, and compliance with sponsor policies.

Member
Stephenson and Stephenson Research and Consulting (SASRAC)

SASRAC provides trusted, authoritative research and consulting services focused on occupational and environmental safety and health challenges. With expertise in developing hearing damage risk criteria, measuring impulsive noises, evaluating hearing protector performance, and creating wireless audiometric testing technologies, SASRAC has been at the forefront of applied research since the 1970s. Founded by experienced professionals from the USAF and CDC/NIOSH, SASRAC is dedicated to advancing technologies in audiology, bioacoustics, and hearing conservation.

We are here to help

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Projects

Technology Showcase

See All Projects

Arizona State University

ASU Crosscutting Technologies to Enhance Military Medical Readiness and Resilience

Dr. Rachel Cassalia leads MTEC-supported efforts at ASU to shift military health from reactive care to proactive readiness through data-driven prevention.

University of Pittsburgh

Topical Metformin Lotion for Tendinopathy Prevention

University of Pittsburgh study shows topical metformin prevents overuse tendon injury. This work was sponsored through MTEC project 22-02-MPAI-014.

Theradaptive

Theradaptive’s RESTORE Trial Initiation for OsteoAdapt™ DE

Theradaptive launches RESTORE Phase I/II trial of OsteoAdapt™ DE for faster, precision bone healing in craniofacial injuries. MTEC-funded study targets improved recovery for military and civilian patients.

Altec

Autonomous Rehabilitation Device for Improved Recovery in Warfighters

The OSCIR platform—developed by Altec Inc in collaboration with the Naval Health Research Center—is bringing clinical-grade, real-time movement analysis to the front lines. Funded under MTEC-22-02-MPAI

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Stay Connected with MTEC

Keep up with active and upcoming solicitations, MTEC news and other valuable information.