Seminars in Hearing Research at Purdue (SHRP)

Date: Thursday, September 22,  2022

Time: 10:30 – 11:20 am

Location: LYLE 1150

Title: Biomarkers of cochlear pathology beyond outer hair cell dysfunction

Speaker: Samantha Hauser, AuD.  SLHS PhD student (Bharadwaj/Heinz labs).

Abstract: Unlike animal models of sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear pathology in humans cannot be confirmed histologically and is the result of an uncontrollable combination of environmental and genetic factors. However, an individual’s pattern of dysfunction across the sensory hair cells, auditory nerve fibers, and stria vascularis likely correlates with specific hearing complaints and may explain variation in suprathreshold processing and hearing-aid outcomes. Unfortunately, hearing assessment in the audiology clinic is typically limited to the audiogram, which only captures the subset of dysfunctions that interfere with audibility. For my PhD fellowship proposal to NIH, I propose a cross-species experimental design which aims to stratify individuals with sensorineural hearing loss based on their estimated profile of cochlear dysfunction, in particular, separating outer hair cell dysfunction from other deficits. In chinchillas, we will compare the effects of at least two etiologies of sensorineural hearing loss on our battery of non-invasive biomarkers. This battery will then be tested in a heterogeneous cohort of humans with hearing loss where results can be compared to speech-perception measures. Based on the profile across biomarkers, we aim to cluster the human subjects and utilize the animal data as the rationale for estimating differences in cochlear dysfunction among the subtypes. This study is an important step toward improved diagnostic precision, and personalizing audiologic care beyond restoration of audibility. [This talk will review my specific aims for a grant application (F32) in progress and due in December. Feedback regarding the aims and methodologies discussed at the seminar is greatly appreciated.]

Zoom Info: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/4326340458

Meeting ID: 432 634 0458

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The working schedule is available here: https://purdue.edu/TPAN/hearing/shrp_schedule

The titles and abstracts of the talks will be added here: https://purdue.edu/TPAN/hearing/shrp_abstracts