Auditory Electrophysiology and
(Re)habilitation
Laboratory
AERL at UALR/UAMS
Interesting Reads...
Why Are People Tone-Deaf? more.
Can Hearing Tests Measure Cognitive Decline? more.
Do We Talk Too Fast For Children? more.
Can the Brain Influence Activity at the Cochlea? more.
Are Repetitious Syllables More Interesting to Infants? more.
Is Elderspeak Harmful? more.
Are Our Brains Shaped By Culture? more.
Is Hearing Loss Linked To Smoking and Body Mass Index? more.
Samuel R. Atcherson, Ph.D., Director
At the AERL, we have two principle lines of research: auditory electrophysiology and auditory (re)habilitation. Our first line of research is focused on how the auditory system processes sounds. Different techniques can be used to study various aspects of hearing in individuals across the lifespan. This lab primarily uses auditory electrophysiologic techniques with interest in studying brainwave patterns in those with normal auditory systems, those with hearing disorders, and those using technology and other treatment methods. We compare our electrophysiologic results with other physiologic and behavioral measures in both research participants and patients. Related to this line of research is the generally well-known fact that the vestibular system can be stimulated with sound, and the resulting pathway endpoint is a contraction or inhibition of neck or eye muscles. Therefore, we are also interested in studying vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in normal and pathological systems.
Dr. Atcherson demonstrating how an amplified (electronic) stethoscope is coupled to a hearing aid.
A second line of research involves auditory (re)habilitation approaches that reduce the impact of hearing loss and other communication impairments on quality of life, education, and vocation. One area involves improving access for professionals and students with hearing loss (and educating them) by understanding their auditory challenges, developing solutions, and promoting advocacy and awareness. Two major groups of interest are students with hearing loss in transition from high school to postsecondary education and healthcare students and professionals with hearing loss. Another area is to study existing hearing technology by evaluating them, conducting research, and disseminating information regarding these technologies in the form of presentations and publications. A final area is to address health disparities and low health literacy among individuals with communication impairments.
Dr. Atcherson presenting "Effect of Aging and Noise on Brainstem Responses to Speech" at the Spring 2010 Midsouth Acoustical Society of America regional conference in Conway, AR.
Academic Programs
UALR/UAMS has both post-baccalaureate and post-masters Doctor of Audiology programs.
Through a Consortium of UALR, UAMS, and the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), we offer the Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
For More Information on these Programs