Speaker: Matthew, Goupell, PhD (Director of the Auditory Perception and Modeling Lab)

Title: Interaural asymmetry and the disruption of binaural hearing with cochlear implants

Abstract: Good spatial hearing is a primary goal of providing hearing to both ears with cochlear implants. However, asymmetries often exist in bilateral and single-sided-deafness cochlear-implant users, which diminish the benefits from hearing with both ears. In extreme cases of asymmetry, sound from the second ear appears to have substantial negative consequences. In this talk, we will discuss ways to correct for interaural asymmetries, our current knowledge of the consequences of peripheral asymmetries, and the existence of beneficial or maladaptive central plasticity in these clinical populations.