We demonstrated that sounds emitted by the ear—called otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), specifically distortion-product OAEs—may provide a noninvasive window onto cochlear frequency tuning. OAEs are a byproduct of the amplification process mediated by outer hair cells and are often measured in clinical hearing screenings.
Hearing Involves Highly Distorted Processing of Sound by Sensory Hair Cells
Studying the distortions generated within the inner ear tells us how these signals may influence our perception of sound and also provides insight into the processes that are involved in basic sensory hair cell function.
Meet the 2020 ERG Researchers
These seven early career scientists were chosen through a rigorous review by HHF’s Scientific Review Committee and Council of Scientific Trustees, comprising senior expert scientists and physicians from across the U.S. The researchers are investigating a range of hearing and balance areas and also, as demonstrated in our Meet the Researcher column, have diverse interests in their free time, which more often than not informs their work.