Hearing loss
Hearing loss occurs when the auditory system—ear, nerves, or brain—is damaged or does not function properly. It can range from mild difficulty hearing certain frequencies to complete deafness. Some hearing loss is obvious, but hidden hearing loss affects the ability to understand speech in noisy environments, even when standard hearing tests appear normal.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, often ringing, buzzing, or hissing, in the absence of an external source. It can be constant or intermittent and may vary in intensity. Tinnitus often arises from changes in neural activity following hearing damage or auditory nerve dysfunction.
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that most people find normal. Even ordinary noise can feel uncomfortably loud or painful. This condition is linked to changes in how the brain processes sound and can severely impact daily life.
What we do
At GASP, we study the underlying mechanisms of these conditions to improve detection, understanding, and treatment. Using advanced neuroimaging, EEG, computational models, and AI-driven auditory technologies, we aim to:
- Detect subtle or hidden forms of hearing loss early
- Develop personalized hearing solutions and next-generation hearing aids
- Explore therapies for tinnitus and hyperacusis, including auditory training and neural interventions
Our research translates fundamental science into real-world solutions that help people hear better, live better, and fully experience the world of sound.