Brian R. Earl, Ph.D., CCCA,FAAA

Meet the Researcher

Brian Earl, Ph.D., CCCA, FAAA is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of Cincinnati. Earl completed his Ph.D. training and postdoctoral work in audiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Prior to his doctoral training, Earl also completed clinical training in audiology at the University of Arizona and worked as a clinical audiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

The Research

University of Cincinnati
Specifying the Integrity of Neurons in the Auditory Periphery (SiNAP)

Auditory nerve degeneration is thought to lead to difficulties with understanding speech, especially in noisy listening situations. Diagnosis of auditory nerve degeneration, however, may be missed by common hearing tests. This research examines the utility of a new technique to specify the extent and region of auditory nerve damage within the inner ear. Application of the technique in a clinical setting may help individualize hearing aids and cochlear implants, and in the future, guide delivery of therapeutic agents that can truly restore hearing to individuals with hearing loss.

Research area: Auditory physiology; Diagnostic audiology

Long-term goal of research: To develop tools for diagnosis of auditory nerve integrity that will improve the individualization of treatment options for individuals with hearing loss.