Studying the mechanisms of auditory processing

Hearing is not just one of the essential sensory systems, but is also critical for our social lives.

Ageing typically affects hearing and nearly 15% of people between 20 and 69 years old have high frequency hearing loss due to noise at work or in leisure activities, or loud sounds.

At present, hearing aids and cochlear implants are used in deafness. These devices are successful, but there are still limitations. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms of hearing at the basic level and the development of new ways to treat hearing impairments are necessary.

There is no real alternative that would entirely replace the use of a living animal. We will use behavioural approaches, electrophysiological techniques and brain stimulations to assess hearing abilities.

The primary potential benefit of this relates to new knowledge about the mechanisms of both normal and abnormal hearing. The aim is to publish the findings in academic journals. The information is likely to be of interest to neuroscientists, audiologists, and neuroengineers. 

The secondary potential benefit relates to the application of the result. This may at a later stage be of value in the development and refinement of new treatments for hearing loss and related symptoms (e.g., tinnitus). Since hearing processing is also associated with several disorders, including schizophrenia (in which auditory hallucinations are common, (hearing voices)), autism, and dyslexia, the information may help in these conditions as well.