Research
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is a specific type of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) characterized by intact outer hair cell function, evidenced by present otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and/or a repeatable cochlear microphonic, and either abnormal or absent waveforms on auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.
ANSD is a common cause of hearing impairment, accounting for 10 to 15% of permanent childhood hearing loss.
Finding, early in age, the right intervention for ANSD remains a challenging area for clinicians. It is not simply defined by the level of access to sounds, but by the speech processing capabilities which vary considerably between patients and are usually much poorer than expected (i.e., out of proportion with the level of hearing impairment), particularly in noise.
The presence of anatomical abnormalities and/or other brain disabilities can also exclude certain of types of intervention (e.g., when the cochlear nerve is totally absent). Additionally, despite a comprehensive clinical assessment (which should include imaging, genetics and neurological examinations), controversy still surrounds management, particularly in infants. Optimal therapeutic strategies (i.e., conventional amplification versus cochlear implantation) are still debated.
We are currently conducting studies to better understand ANSD and guide the management of infants and children. If you are interested in learning more or want to participate in our research, contact us at…
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Development of Processing in Noise Abilities
The laboratory is conducting research to examine the neural mechanisms that underlie the processing of speech in noise with impaired auditory function. This information is critical for defining strategies to improve the development of speech and language of infants and children using hearing aids or cochlear implants, remediate the poor speech in noise performance of children with listening disorders (despite having normal hearing thresholds) and prevent the decrease in performance in aging individuals.
The disturbing presence of noise in modern society is a well-known form of environmental pollution which affects the development of language in youngsters while altering the comprehension of individuals at any age, with tremendous consequences on other cognitive functions and quality of life. It is particularly true in individuals with congenital or acquired hearing loss when the quality of the auditory input is decreased due to cellular and neuronal loss or degeneration.
Hearing Disorders
The laboratory is also conducting research for the hearing disorders due to:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
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Cochlear Nerve Deficiency (CND)
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Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct (EVA)
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Morquio Syndrome
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Participate in research: Please click here to learn more about our current research studies.