Our Research

The Marion Downs Hearing Center is actively involved in the development and dissemination of research for the purpose of better understanding the implications of hearing loss, balance and dizziness issues, language and communication delays related to hearing loss, implantable hearing devices, and other topics related to hearing sciences. Our research involves all ages, from the speech perception of infants with hearing aids to the viability of implantable microphones in adults. MDHC researchers are affiliated with the University of Colorado, Boulder and University of Colorado, School of Medicine.

Current Research Topics in Adult and Pediatric Populations Include:

1. Changes in language development in deaf and hard of hearing children with intensive summer curriculum through Marion's Way Preschool
2. Determining FM needs using varying noise levels to aid in setting FM gain
3. Assessment of infant speech perception (discrimination) in typical and hard of hearing listeners
4. Examining the relationship of the development of the brain's auditory cortex and speech perception
5. Hierarchical ranking of speech perception for adults and children in order to optimize outcomes
6. Clinical trails examining the safety and efficacy of active middle ear prosthesis
7. Longitudinal study of infant speech perception in young cochlear implant candidates
8. Tinnitus management
9. Identifying a valid screening tool for Autism in the deaf and hard of hearing pediatric population
10. Study of Carina™ Microphone and Signal Processing with Freedom™ Cochlear Implants via the Perc Plug
11. A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of two home exercises, the Epley maneuver and the Half Somersault, in the treatment of benign positional vertigo