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This project examined the association of cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors on hearing using electronic health records from the University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCHealth). We evaluating sex-based differences in CVD-related hearing loss. Individual risk factors and overall risk burden were considered. This work was completed with Co-PI Dr. Melinda Anderson (University of Colorado School of Medicine) and statistical collaborator Dr. Eric Vance (CU Boulder, Applied Mathematics).  This study was funded by the American Hearing Research Foundation. Findings were published in Scientific Reports. 

This project explored the potential connection between CVD risk status and prognosis of sudden SNHL. The study used electronic health records from the University of Colorado School of Medicine system. This project was an AuD capstone study by Kate Lemons. This study was funded by the American Hearing Research Foundation. Findings were published in the American Journal of Audiology. 

This study investigated the association between smoking (cannabis, tobacco, or both) and hearing status using data from the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES].  Associated findings were published in Ear & Hearing.  

This study used data from the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] to determine if asymptomatic U.S. adults should be screened for hearing loss. Our determination on this matter was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology.  

This study used data from the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] to estimate the prevalence of conductive pathology in U.S. adults aged 20-69 years. Otoscopic and tympanometric findings were used to determine prevalence estimates. This research was published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck  Medicine and Surgery.  

This population-based study was designed to explore the association of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as diabetes and smoking on hearing in Hispanic/Latino individuals. An associated paper is in press. This project was funded by an Innovative Seed Grant (CU Boulder) and Emerging Research Grant (Hearing Health Foundation). Study results were published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology.

This epidemiological study explored the association between cochlear function (using otoacoustic emissions) and cardiovascular disease risk factors. This study used data from the all-Black Jackson Heart Study, which was designed to better understand cardiovascular disease risk and related health outcomes in African Americans.  Results of this study were published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology in early 2023.

This project explored the association between cannabis smoking and auditory function in young adults. We used distortion product otoacoustic emissions and auditory evoked potentials to evaluate auditory function. This study is no longer enrolling participants. Associated manuscripts were published in Ear & Hearing and the American Journal of Audiology.

This was an AuD capstone study by Jennifer Masters. Hearing loss is associated with many risk factors for cardiovascular disease including tobacco smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. This lab-based study focused on auditory profiles, including otoacoustic emissions, in persons with low vs. high risk. Associated findings were presented at the Colorado Academy of Audiology conference. This study was funded by a grant from the Hearing Health Foundation. 

This was an AuD capstone study by Eric Kinney. C-Reactive Protein is a marker for inflammation in the body that has been found to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore the association between inflammation and link to peripheral auditory function using otoacoustic emissions. 

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) at the frequency 2f1-f2 have been commonly studied. However, the DPOAE at f2-f1 has shown promise to detect certain cochleopathies, particularly endolymphatic hydrops. This investigation explored the optimal stimulus frequency ratio to elicit the f2-f1 DPOAE in young adult humans. We found that narrow elicitors are optimal. Results were published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.

Formal training in communicating scientific findings to a general audience is not generally part of the curriculum for graduate students, nor is it formally taught to postdoctoral fellows. However, we know that scientific communication is an important part of the job function for professional scientists. We designed and taught a class for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on annotating primary scientific literature. This course increased confidence in scientific communication ability and increased readability of primary scientific literature.