The Emerging Auditory Research (E.A.R.) lab is focused on understanding and improving how cochlear implants transmit sound to the auditory system. Cochlear implants (CIs) are implantable, prosthetic devices meant to restore hearing in individuals with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Cochlear implantation involves placing an electrode array inside the cochlea that electrically stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing typical function of the middle and inner ear. The first CI was placed in 1964. CIs are currently regarded as some of the most successful neuroprosthetic devices (Kansaku, 2021).  

In the E.A.R. Lab, we study individuals of all ages— from babies to seniors— so that we may also explore the role of development and plasticity in the context of cochlear implants. The long-term goal of our research is to improve the way that cochlear implants are programmed. Rather than using the generic methods of programming implants, we aim to optimize device settings for individual listeners. If you are interested in participating in our research, please check out our “Participate” page to learn more.