Research Clusters

Research in the NCA is described here in three clusters of activity. The Hearing Science and Assessment Cluster considers the structure and function of the ear and hearing systems, using imaging and models, physiological measures, and psychoacoustic measures. The Hearing (re)Habilitation Cluster studies and develops interventions for hearing loss, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and programs of aural (re)habilitation. The Implementation Cluster designs systems, protocols, and programs of service delivery with a focus on partnership, evidence-based practice, knowledge translation, and implementation science.

Hearing Science WordleHearing Science and Assessment

Core Areas of Research: Structure and function of the ear and hearing systems, Physiological measures of the hearing system, Psychoacoustic measurement of hearing functions, Binaural and spatial hearing, Imaging of the hearing system

Researchers in our Hearing Science and Assessment Cluster seek to understand the basic functions of the ear and the hearing and balance systems, including how aging, developmental damage, injury, illness, cognitive or genetic factors can affect hearing and balance functions, and to develop advanced methods for valid assessment in clinical application. This interdisciplinary team of researchers includes scientists from a wide range of disciplines including: audiology, speech-language pathology, neurotology, psychology, anatomy & cell biology, engineering, and imaging. We study the physiological and perceptual processes of hearing, measure the activity of the brain associated with hearing and balance, and image and model the structure of the ear and associated brain pathways. The Hearing Science and Assessment Cluster has strong linkages to the graduate program in Neuroscience, the Brain and Mind Institute, and the Faculty of Engineering (Electrical and Computer; Biomedical).

Hearing RehabilitationHearing (re)Habilitation Cluster

Core Areas of Research: Hearing aids, Cochlear implants, Aural (re)habilitation

Researchers in our Hearing (re)Habilitation Cluster seek to find new ways to improve interventions for people with hearing and balance disorders. Our work includes technological interventions with strong connections to the Faculty of Engineering, and also includes group or individual interventions with strong collaborations with clinical partners. We evaluate novel technologies and programs of care for those with hearing and balance disorders and their families, develop and evaluate signal processing in hearing devices, design novel procedures for prescription, verification, and evaluation of hearing devices, create methods for surgical intervention and medical device provision, and generate person-centred (re)habilitation approaches including both in-person and telecare/alternative delivery models. We aim to understand how hearing health impacts a person’s life, including their participation in family, work, and society, considering hearing functions not only for understanding speech but also for interaction with the world of sound and music. The Hearing (re)Habilitation Cluster has vibrant linkages to the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, the Brain and Mind Institute, Biomedical Engineering, the Music, Cognition, and the Brain Interdisciplinary Development Initiative, and the Cochlear Implant program at London Health Sciences Centre.

ImplementationImplementation

Core Areas of Research: Systems, protocols and programs of service delivery; Early intervention; Evidence-based practice; Knowledge translation

The implementation of novel tests, devices, procedures, training simulations, and interventions requires integration into programs of care, into professional training, and into protocols for service delivery. Our Implementation Cluster develops and iterates evidence-based protocols through evidence review, protocol development and validation, and collaborative knowledge translation from the NCA into clinical practice and/or training environments. We contribute to the continuing education of hearing health care professionals and seek to make them active partners in our clinical research projects. The implementation cluster advocates to the public and consumers through policy statements and reviews of current practice and recommends practice changes based on research results. We use integrated knowledge translation within project initiatives across other clusters. Researchers in the Implementation Cluster collaborate with government programs to help ensure effective service delivery that is based on evidence, with industry partners through contracts to evaluate novel technologies, and through the transfer of technologies to industry and to clinics. The Implementation Cluster has strong linkages to the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, Infant Hearing Programs across Canada, the Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force, and to our industry partners.