Audiology Laboratory
Current Research
- Hearing and Communication in CHARGE Syndrome
CHARGE Syndrome is a congenital disorder with multiple physical and sensory anomalies. It is considered to be a deaf-blind syndrome. Dr. Thelin has been involved in research for over 20 years on the spectrum of auditory disorders, the management of hearing loss, and issues related to the development of communication in CHARGE. Current research has involved interviewing and surveying the parents of children with CHARGE to determine how audiologists can serve individuals who have this uncommon but very complicated disorder.
- Measurement of Averaged Acoustic Reflex Thresholds
The purpose of this research is to determine if response averaging can be used, as with the measurement of auditory evoked potentials, to measure acoustic reflex thresholds at lower levels than have been measured by previous investigators. A custom computer-based signal generation and response measurement system is presently under development to accomplish this. If it is found that acoustic reflex thresholds are substantially lower than previously measured, then there is the possibility that the reflex mechanism may modulate the input to many everyday signals and not just to high-level signals. Further studies would address the effects of ear pathology on acoustic reflex thresholds.
- Behavioral Assessment of Hearing for Medical-Legal Purposes
A substantial percentage of individuals who seek Workers Compensation or sue for occupational hearing loss also have a pattern of hearing loss that is consistent with noise exposure from firing rifles and shotguns. Audiologic and medical records from medical-legal cases are being analyzed to determine if there are patterns of hearing loss associated with the reported histories of gun ownership and of the use of rifles and shotguns.
Lab Description
- Audiology Laboratory, 544 South Stadium Hall with double-walled sound-treated audiometric test room that is large enough for sound-field testing
- ENG Laboratory, 569 South Stadium Hall
Equipment/Software
- Diagnostic audiometer with extended high-frequency and Bekesy audiometry capabilities (Madsen, Model 922)
- Laboratory computer with custom system for averaged acoustic reflex measurement (Designed by Ed Pasenan, University of Texas)
- Noise dosimeter measurement systems (2) with analysis software (Quest Q-400)
- Sound level meters (Bruel & Kjaer, Type 2226, and Quest, Model 1800)
- Computer-based ENG system (Micromedical Technologies)
- Custom interactive-videodisc system for teaching Visual Reinforcement Audiometry ( Designed by Christopher Halpin, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary)
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Contact Us
Department Audiology & Speech Pathology
578 South Stadium Hall, UT
Knoxville, TN 37996-0740
Directions
Phone: (865) 974-5019
Fax: (865) 974-1539
Email: clark@utk.edu
