Auditory Perception and Physiology Lab

OUR RESEARCH

Research in the Jennings Lab has a broad impact on understanding how the auditory system adapts to noisy backgrounds and how this adaptation influences auditory perception in adults with normal and impaired hearing. Our laboratory studies these topics through perceptual, electrophysiological, and computational modeling efforts. Knowledge gained from our research will lead to novel diagnostic procedures and rehabilitative signal processing strategies designed to enhance the quality of life for hearing-impaired individuals by improving their ability to understand speech in noisy backgrounds.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Auditory Perception and Physiology Laboratory is to advance the understanding of auditory perception and physiology through cutting-edge research, innovative experimentation, and collaboration with other scientists and institutions. Our goal is to contribute to the development of effective interventions for individuals with auditory impairments and to promote the general public's understanding of the importance of hearing health. We are committed to training the next generation of auditory scientists and providing a supportive and inclusive research environment. Our work is driven by a passion for improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments and advancing the field of auditory research.

Participant Information

Do I qualify for the study?

You qualify for the study if:

You are 18 years or older
You have normal or impaired hearing
You do not have a cochlear implant

What are the benefits of participating in this study?

Participants will receive:

$15 an hour
A free hearing test
Flexible scheduling
Attend as many sessions as you want and stop at any time

Volunteering opportunities are also available!

What should I expect when participating?

The first session involves testing to ensure participants are qualified for the study, this typically lasts about 45 minutes. All other sessions typically last about 2 hours. Testing will be completed over 2-3 sessions.

The experiments will either involve:

Sitting in a sound proof booth and listening to sounds with foam inserts while brain waves are measured from the scalp or cochlea.

Listening to different sounds with headphones on and discerning between them, or listening to and repeating speech.

How do I participate?

If you are interested in participating please fill out this form or contact our lab coordinator:

Sarah Haysley, Lab Coordinator
Email: u6043467@utah.edu
Lab Phone: (801) 587-2902

Where is the lab?

Trax

Get off at University South Campus stop. From the platform turn left (North) and cross the street at the light. Once you have crossed the street you will follow Campus Dr. (400 S.) heading west, away from the Huntsman stadium, towards the Rice-Eccles Stadium. You will pass a roundabout and a tall cement building. We are in the short building directly next to the campus store.

Driving From I-80 or I-215

Take the Foothill drive exit (Highway 186). Take Foothill north and east. Foothill will turn into 500 S. and head west. You will pass the Veteran's Hospital on the left. Take a right on Campus Center Dr. At the roundabout take the second exit heading west towards Rice-Eccles Stadium. We are in the short building directly next to the campus store.

Driving from I-15

Take the 400 South exit and head east. You will drive up the hill and 400 South will turn into 500 South. You will pass Rice-Eccles Stadium on the left and turn left at the first light passed the stadium onto Campus Center Dr. At the roundabout take the second exit heading west towards Rice-Eccles Stadium. We are in the short building directly next to the campus store.