Current Projects
Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering as a research participant in our studies!
Biomarkers of Auditory Hypersensitivity
Funding: National Institutes of Health National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH NIDCD K01 DC019647), ASHFoundation New Investigators Research Grant.
Auditory hypersensitivity refers to a range of sound tolerance problems that can include excessive loudness perception, negative emotional reactions to sound (e.g., fear, annoyance), and physical pain. Many people experience symptoms of auditory hypersensitivity including individuals who have normal hearing, hyperacusis, tinnitus, autism spectrum disorder, migraine, and PTSD.
Projects in this research area focus on understanding how neural activity within and outside the auditory system contributes to auditory hypersensitivity across diverse populations. We also seek to understand how loudness perception and emotional sound processing change across the lifespan and as a consequence of hearing loss.
We incorporate a variety of techniques including neuroimaging (EEG), eye-tracking, skin conductance measures, heart rate measures, and behavioral hearing tests. The central motivation of this work is to develop improved clinical tools for evaluating and treating auditory hypersensitivity.
Understanding the Lived Experience of Hyperacusis and Clinical Practices in the United States
Audiologists and other healthcare professionals receive little education on how to diagnose and manage hyperacusis. Through surveys and virtual focus groups, we hope to develop a better understanding of the lived experience of hyperacusis, and common clinical practices for its diagnosis and management in the United States. This work will guide the development of diagnostic tools and treatments by considering the experiences of key stakeholders including patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Improving Outcomes for Individuals With Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implant (CI) studies in our lab focus on identifying factors that influence how well a CI sends information to the auditory nerve. We seek to apply information about the electrode-neuron interface and patient demographics to develop and assess individualized clinical interventions.
