Steacie Supplement: Audiological and Cognitive Assessment Equipment, and Equipment for fMRI studies

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My trainees, collaborators and I study cognitive factors that facilitate the perception of speech when it is presented in challenging listening situations, such as when there are competing talkers or background noise. We study the complex interplay between cognitive abilities and hearing abilities in young and older participants, and we use both behavioural and neuroimaging methods. I request funds to support three key components of this NSERC-funded research program. First, we require cognitive testing equipment that will allow us to characterize the cognitive abilities of our participants so that we can relate individual differences in cognitive function to comprehension of speech in noise. Second, we require equipment that will permit a more complete assessment of auditory function than is possible with the pure-tone audiometers we have, assessments more in line with audiological 'best practice'. This equipment will also permit us to characterize individual differences in cochlear gain and tuning, which is crucial to auditory perceptual organization and thus may relate to individual differences in speech-in-noise comprehension. This equipment will not duplicate existing resources within the University. Finally, we request key pieces of equipment for our neuroimaging program. This equipment is intended to replace existing outmoded and inadequate equipment and is essential for the fMRI studies that will be conducted during my Steacie Fellowship. Highly qualified personnel trained with this equipment will acquire marketable knowledge and valuable technical expertise in cognitive neuroscience methods, and in audiological and neuropsychological assessment.