ISVR-HABC-107: Modelling electrocochlear responses in auditory neuropathy patients

The healthy cochlea communicates with the brain by transducing acoustic vibrations into an electrical analogue within the inner hair cells which then leads to nerve impulses being generated in the auditory nerve. Patients with auditory neuropathy appear to have some functioning cochlear hair cells, but have abnormal function in the auditory nerve. There are several possible sites of the abnormality: the transduction process, the connection between hair cell and nerve, or the nerve itself.

The first aim of this project is to further develop existing electromechanical models of the cochlea in order to be able to predict the characteristics of electrical signals that can be measured clinically in the diagnosis of auditory neuropathy. The second aim is to validate the model predictions against measurements in auditory neuropathy patients.The project is suitable for someone with a background in analysing electrical and mechanical systems. No prior knowledge of auditory science is required, as the project student will be working with hearing scientists and clinicians.

The project is suitable for someone with a background in analysing electrical and mechanical systems. Knowledge of electrophysiology would be helpful, but not essential. No prior knowledge of auditory science is required as the project student will be working with hearing scientists and clinicians.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Ben Lineton, ISVR-HABC research group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3467.