Welcome to The NOISE Lab!
Neuroscience of the Otological Impacts of Sound Experience
In the NOISE Lab, we explore how different sound experiences shape hearing and contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. Exposure to loud sounds is a leading cause of hearing loss, affecting the entire auditory system – from the cochlea to central auditory pathways. At the same time, exposure to non-damaging sounds enables top-down neural pathways to modulate sound encoding in different acoustic environments, a process that benefits a healthy auditory system but may be disruptive in pathological conditions. Understanding when noise exposure is beneficial vs. harmful is essential for promoting healthy hearing habits to reduce the economic and socioemotional burdens of hearing loss.
By combining cochlear and brain histology, auditory physiology, and behavioral measures, we aim to understand the structure-function relationships that influence hearing abilities, especially in challenging, noisy environments and in damaged systems. Our approach reflects foundations in both clinical audiology and auditory neuroscience. This work will contribute to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of hearing loss.