Nirmal Kumar Srinivasan, Ph.D.

Meet the Researcher

Nirmal Kumar Srinivasan, Ph.D. is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and Deaf Studies at Towson University, Maryland.

Dr. Srinivasan received his Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to that, he received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Madras, respectively. He subsequently completed post-doctoral training at University of Louisville with Dr. Pavel Zahorik, University of Texas at Dallas with Dr. Emily Tobey, and at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research with Dr. Frederick Gallun and Dr. Michelle Molis.

The Research

Towson University
Understanding and decoding CAPD in adults

Understanding speech in complex listening environments involves both on top-down and bottom-up processes. Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) refers to a reduction in the efficiency and effectiveness of how the central nervous system utilizes the presented auditory information. It is characterized by a diminished perception of speech and non-speech sounds that is not attributable to peripheral hearing loss or intellectual impairment. Hearing loss and CAPD can adversely affect everyday communication, learning, and physical well-being.

A substantial number of adults evaluated for CAPD complain about difficulties in resolving auditory events that are similar to that of individuals with hearing impairment. These individuals have audiograms that are similar to those of age-matched individuals. Since the audiogram is the primary tool used in the clinic to distinguish people with hearing loss, it is imperative to understand the fundamental differences observed in behavioral experiments for individuals with CAPD and individuals with hearing loss.

Long-term goal: To better understand the difficulties encountered by listeners with CAPD in complex listening environment. Findings from this project will lead to a series of studies to identify relevant tests that would separate listeners with hearing loss and CAPD; identify test variables that captures most of the underlying variance in the difference in performance with aging and hearing loss; develop tests that could be used in clinical settings to quickly estimate the extent of processing deficits; and develop effective rehabilitation and intervention for listeners with CAPD.