The team from the AUditory Research Alliance (AURA) Lab at KU Medical Center is committed to unraveling the complex relationship between the auditory system and the brain, focusing on how trauma like noise exposure and head injuries can alter auditory function. We're driven to understand the mechanisms behind conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), hearing loss, and auditory processing disorders.
Tinnitus Education Videos
The following two-part video series contains a free tinnitus education program created as part of a 2021 research study at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Lexi Kaminsky, Au.D., a then 3rd year Doctor of Audiology Candidate, compared live telehealth group education for tinnitus versus these on-demand versions of the same content. She worked with Lauren Mann, Ph.D., in the Auditory Research Alliance Laboratory to conduct this research.
Her data showed that both live and on-demand attendees experienced a significant reduction in tinnitus per the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory after watching the content and following recommendations. Our lab would like to make this resource available to people experiencing tinnitus and to healthcare providers looking for research-based tinnitus education to share with their patients.
If you are new to tinnitus, video one covers an introduction to how we hear, why we develop tinnitus, and some basic management tips. If you have a basic understanding of tinnitus, video two briefly reviews how we hear and why we develop tinnitus but spends more time discussing sound therapy and free resources to manage tinnitus.
Auditory Neuroscience
Recognizing the importance of prevention and early intervention, we investigate the risk factors associated with hearing loss across the lifespan. By identifying early indicators such as subtle changes in auditory perception or cognitive processing, we aim to develop screening protocols that facilitate timely diagnosis and reduce long-term impact. This proactive approach enhances our ability to support individuals at risk before significant impairment occurs.
Utilizing advanced research techniques, we strive to create new diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions, pushing the boundaries of auditory science to provide treatment solutions for individuals experiencing auditory difficulties.
Contact us at auralab@kumc.edu.
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Research Collaborations
Our partnerships and collaborations help us carry out important research. We would like to highlight and thank the following collaborators.
Work in the laboratory has been supported by grants from the following organizations:
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation
- American Academy of Audiology Foundation
- Global Genes
- KU Cares 2025
Individual Collaborators at University of Kansas Medical Center
Rebecca Lepping, Ph.D. , Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
Ke Liao, Ph.D., Senior Scientist
Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center
Linda D'Silva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training
Michael Rippee, M.D., Associate Professor,
Department of Neurology
Mark Chertoff, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Individual Collaborators External to KU Medical Center
Navin Viswanathan, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Penn State College of Health and Human Development
Grant Searchfield, Ph.D., Professor
Head of Audiology Department
Director of Faculty Research: FRC Eisdell Moore Centre
University of Auckland