Research
Age-related Changes in Speech Recognition
The ability to follow conversation becomes more difficult as we get older. We may have difficulty hearing speech or maintaining our focus on what people are talking about. Our laboratory uses brain imaging techniques to examine structural and functional reasons for speech recognition difficulty. We are developing studies to determine the extent to which age-related changes in brain morphology predict the success in intervention programs for hearing loss and explain why so few older adults benefit from the use of hearing aids.
Locus Coeruleus Attention System
The locus coeruleus is a brainstem structure that plays an important role in focusing attention and redirecting attention. We are utilizing high resolution brainstem imaging to characterize the structure and function of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic attention system.