“My preconceived idea was that cochlear implants are for deaf people, and I didn’t understand that they’re also for hearing-impaired people.”

She is nationally recognized for her research to understand and improve long-term outcomes of individuals with acquired brain injury.

The Doctor of Audiology program topped the list of 74 contenders and the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program ranked above 282 others.

Duff is a cognitive neuroscientist and speech-language pathologist who studies the role of hippocampal-dependent memory in language processing and communication.

Under Tharpe’s leadership, the department has maintained a remarkable trajectory of advancing clinical care for those with communication disorders.

As research in cochlear implant stimulation expands to include music perception, clearing up channel interaction remains the focal point as audiologists aim to customize how electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve to improve patients’ ability to hear music.

More than 30% of children with permanent hearing loss have additional disabilities. A timely diagnosis of reduced hearing and access to appropriate interventions can maximize developmental outcomes.