Q&A: What's in the Basement? (Part 4)
Listening booths, acoustics, and hearing aids—this episode of “What’s in the Basement?” takes a closer look at the fascinating work of audiologists, who specialise in understanding hearing and treating hearing loss.
This time, we venture beyond the SUND building and into 'Knoldene.' On Level 0, we turn our focus to the audiologists’ research lab. Ready to tune in? You're about to discover something fascinating.
The lab is where studies involving both children and adults—whether they have hearing loss or not—are conducted to advance our understanding of hearing
Audiologists examine how the auditory system functions—from the ears to the brain. They investigate what happens when hearing loss occurs and work to develop the most effective treatments for its associated challenges.
“We use a wide range of specialised equipment to thoroughly assess hearing. This includes tools such as otoscopes and audiometers for hearing tests, as well as devices for fine-tuning and measuring hearing aids. We also use headphones and speakers to play test sounds—like pure tones or speech—and microphones to record them,” explains Tobias Neher, Professor of Technical Audiology.
Questions & Answers
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Audiology
Audiology encompasses three main disciplines, and studying audiology at SDU means you'll be trained across all of them: medical, technical, and educational audiology.
Medical Audiology focuses on the physiology of hearing, diagnostics, and medical treatments for hearing loss.
Technical Audiology centres on the technological aspects of diagnostics, as well as the development of hearing aids and other assistive devices.
Educational Audiology involves teaching and supporting individuals with hearing, reading, speech, and language difficulties.
In addition, audiologists can also come from medical or technical backgrounds, such as engineering.
“We utilise advanced equipment to measure brain activity, such as EEG, and to recreate realistic audiovisual environments using a large screen and laser projector,” adds Neher.
Cutting-Edge Tools for Advanced Research
The audiology research lab, established in 2018, provides an optimal environment for hearing studies. Designed to give researchers complete control over the sounds participants are exposed to, the lab ensures precise and reliable results.
The facility features two large and two smaller listening booths, all meticulously soundproofed to eliminate external noise. Inside, the walls, floors, and ceilings are lined with materials that minimise noise while preserving a natural level of sound reflection—creating an acoustic environment akin to a quiet living room. This setup is both practical and cost-effective compared to a fully anechoic chamber.
Anechoic Chamber
An anechoic chamber is a highly specialised room designed with foam panels to eliminate sound reflections from the walls, floor, and ceiling. This creates an environment where only direct sound from the source can be heard.
The larger listening booths are outfitted with multiple speakers strategically positioned along the walls. One of the newest booths, currently under development, will integrate visual elements alongside sound. By combining video projections with audio, researchers can recreate realistic scenarios—such as a bustling restaurant or moving sound sources—within controlled conditions.
Three Essential Tips to Protect Your Hearing
We asked Tobias Neher, Professor of Technical Audiology, to share his top advice for preserving your hearing:
"Our hearing is remarkably sensitive to noise, and prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in irreversible damage. Protecting your hearing is vital because, once lost, it cannot be restored. Here are my three essential tips:
- Use earplugs or hearing protection in noisy environments.
- Keep your headphone volume at a safe level.
- Take regular breaks—avoid constant exposure to music or other sounds."