Research
The proposed research programme will build on established programmes of research on, and intervention using, hearing instruments, auditory learning and the auditory brain to offer further development of the following research areas:
Child & Family
Auditory Habilitation in Hearing Loss
Tinnitus
Auditory Learning
Child & Family
This area is conducting research into parent/child interactions as a mechanism for early learning. The focus is on exploring how socially constructed learning paves the way for language and cognitive development in the deaf/Deaf/hard-of-hearing child. This work will inform both early assessment of children with a hearing loss and the development of effective and implementable clinical interventions for children and their families.
Research Plan - Projects - Intervention - Publications - Collaborators - Progress - Study Information
Auditory habilitation in hearing loss
This will build on recent research into the hearing capabilities of older children and adults with SNHL, and the cognitive enhancement that may be obtained for their residual hearing from auditory training, to develop new preventive and management strategies. These strategies will include behavioural techniques for gaining benefit in varied listening environments and learning to use the signals provided by hearing instruments to minimize handicap and to improve communication outcomes.
Research Plan - Projects - Publications
Tinnitus
A number of different treatments have been proposed for tinnitus, which vary widely in their basic research base. Our research will investigate the effectiveness of different tinnitus treatments and their associated brain mechanisms using functional neuroimaging and auditory training techniques. Understanding what types of treatment are more effective and why will inform an effective therapy based on a neurophysiological understanding of tinnitus.
Research Plan - Projects - Publications
Auditory Learning
The learning theme focuses on how training can help individuals compensate for auditory deficits. The aim is to provide technology and training paradigms that are suitable for use by individuals outside the laboratory. Specifically, projects examine how training modifies the ways in which individuals use degraded information. Consideration is given to both improvements in performance as well as the level of engagement and compliance with the training paradigm.
Research Plan - Projects - Publications
