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VA » Health Care » National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) » Featured Updates

National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR)

Featured Updates

	Effects of Blast Exposure article published in Scientific Reports Dr. Sarah Theodoroff’s article: Decreased sound tolerance associated with blast exposure was recently published in Scientific Reports. Highlights: VA researchers found that 48% of Veterans who have been around blasts find everyday sounds overwhelming. Increased sensitivity to normal levels of sound makes people change their daily activities to avoid being around the “noise” of everyday life. This leads to social isolation, worsening of symptoms, and reduced quality of life. Long-term avoidance and deprivation of sound makes things worse, not better This experience of decreased sound tolerance is not limited to Veterans; it also occurs in Service members and civilians. Decreased sound tolerance associated with blast exposure
	NCRAR Associate Director Dr. Konrad-Martin receives "Distinguished Alumni" award On June 14th and 15th, the University of Washington Speech and Hearing Sciences Department honored Dr. Konrad-Martin with the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Each year, one outstanding Alumnus is chosen to be recognized by the department and to present their scientific work, and to inspire the next generation of clinicians and researchers at the Departmental Graduation and Recognition Ceremony. Dr. Konrad-Martin’s research seminar outlined the last 10 years of her research funded by VA RR&D Service which has added to the knowledge base, clinical tools and technology available to address the problem of ototoxicity as detailed in some 22 peer-reviewed publications. During this period, Dr. Konrad-Martin and her collaborators have developed methods to accomplish ototoxicity risk assessments, and efficient and effective ototoxicity screening on the oncology unit. The most recent findings demonstrate improved feasibility and access of monitoring procedures that better engage the patient and oncology team, over usual clinical practice (Konrad-Martin et al. 2018). Dr. Konrad-Martin's graduation presentation highlighted the perspective of the patient/family in helping the graduates focus on the value of the field of Audiology, and the real difference we can make in the everyday lives of our patients.
	NCRAR Director Dr. Feeney interviewed on Federal News Network Hearing problems, particularly tinnitus, are the most common service-connected disability for which the Department of Veterans Affairs compensates veterans. So perhaps it’s no surprise that some of the country’s most advanced research into auditory dysfunction is funded and performed by VA itself. The epicenter of that work is the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Patrick Feeney is the director of the center, and he’s just won the 2019 Jerger Career Award from the American Academy of Audiology for a career’s worth of research in the field. Feeney joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin to provide some more insight on hearing loss in the veteran population, and some of the key research advances over the course of his career. Click here for the link to the interview.
	NCRAR's Kelly Reavis receives "Best Doctoral Oral Presentation" Kelly Reavis, MPH (PhD, Epidemiology) was recently awarded the Best Doctoral Oral Presentation for her "Occupational exposure to noise and hearing change among US Service members" presentation at the annual SPH conference. Co-authors include: Garnett P. McMillan, PhD; Kathleen F. Carlson, PhD, MS; Jonathan Snowden, PhD; James A Henry, PhD. Well done, Kelly!
	Celebrating Dr. Donald Austin Former NCRAR researcher/collaborator is recognized by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon posthumously. For more about his life and many achievements, click here.
	NCRAR Researcher featured for Research Day Curtis Billings, PhD, NCRAR Investigator and Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, OHSU, gave a presentation titled "Diagnosing/treating hearing difficulties when the audiogram is normal." For more information about Research Day 2019, click here. For more details about VA research, click here.
	NCRAR's Director receives 2019 Jerger Career Award NCRAR Director Dr. Patrick Feeney receives career award for contributions in hearing loss research. For more information about the award and Dr. Feeney's work, click here.
	NCRAR Investigator tapped as balance content expert On April 23 and 24, 2019, NCRAR Investigator Dr. Robert Peterka served as an invited participant at a joint National Institute on Aging (NIA)/National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Workshop entitled, “Central and Peripheral Control of Balance in Older Adults”. Dr. Peterka served as a content expert on sensory augmentation for improved balance and methods of assessment. Workshop outcomes may include a white paper and contribute to future calls for proposals.
	Dr. Gallun receives AVAA Research Award Congratulations to Dr. Frederick Gallun, who received the 2019 AVAA (Association of VA Audiologists) Research award. This award is given in recognition of persons who have made special contributions to VA Audiology in education or research, or who have brought recognition to VA Audiology through these venues.

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