Research Topics

We study how age-related hearing loss affects the brain. Using neuroimaging (fMRI), hearing testing, and cognitive assessments, we investigate how changes in hearing alter brain activity and networks in regions that support memory, attention, and language. These studies help identify neural mechanisms that may link hearing loss to dementia risk. A future direction of this work is to use hearing aid interventions, not only as a treatment strategy, but also as a tool to probe the neural mechanisms underlying how hearing influences changes in brain and psychosocial health. 

Our work also examines sex differences in dementia risk factors, with a particular focus on modifiable health and lifestyle factors, including hearing loss. Women are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, yet we do not fully understand why. Women and men may differ in how such risk factors, including hearing loss, affect brain health. By studying these patterns, we aim to understand why dementia risk differs by sex and to identify opportunities for earlier and more tailored prevention strategies.