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Research is conducted into a number of different areas in the Audiology section of the Linguistics Department at Macquarie University. A number of areas of interest are held by members of staff, including the following:

Auditory Neuropathy

A term first coined in 1996 by Starr and colleagues, auditory neuropathy is characterised by normal cochlear mechanical function but absent synchronous neural activity. Nonetheless, many children diagnosed with this disorder have mild-to-moderate hearing thresholds, although their speech discrimination abilities are typically very poor. In conjunction with Professor Bill Gibson and Dr Halit Sanli at the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre , and Dr Robert Patuzzi at the Auditory Physiology Laboratory , University of Western Australia, Dr Catherine McMahon is currently investigating the possible physiological mechanisms of auditory neuropathy using an objective assessment technique known as round window electrocochleography and comparing such waveforms to those obtained in measurements made in anaesthetized animals.

Auditory Processing Disorders

Professor Philip Newall and Dr Catherine McMahon have an interest in accurately identifying disruptions of the auditory system of adults and children which manifest as a particular auditory processing disorders. Furthermore, their interest lies in whether specific rehabilitation and / or training techniques can be used to demonstrate a measurable improvement in auditory processing. Some of this work has been carried out with Ms Robyn Bernard and Professor Kevin Wheldall of the Special Education Centre at Macquarie University and Associate Professor Suzanne Purdy at the National Acoustic Laboratories.

Demography and Epidemiology

The department is presently involved in a major research project known as the Blue Mountains Hearing Study . The study is being conducted in conjunction with colleagues from the Centre for Vision Research , Sydney University, University of Western Sydney and University of Newcastle. This is an epidemiological study of hearing impairment in an older Australian population. This project is funded by Department of Health and Human Services & the NH & MRC. Principal researchers are Associate Professor Paul Mitchell from the University of Sydney and Professor Philip Newall from Macquarie University. If you would like to learn more, please visit the Blue Mountains Hearing Study Project Page .

Tinnitus

The origin and mechanisms underlying tinnitus generation are not well understood. Dr Catherine McMahon's interest in tinnitus lies in accurately identifying the location of the disruption along the auditory pathway and correlating this with its perception and the success of different therapy programmes aimed at tinnitus relief. Other research of the assessment of improved remedial measures of tinnitus is being carried out by Professor Philip Newall and colleagues.

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