Research
We are interested in an array of topics that aim to improve the way we understand complex auditory function and clinical care of patients with hearing loss due to a variety of conditions. To do so, we employ a combination of prospective clinical research, critical analysis of existing clinical tools, psychometric analysis and test theory, contemporary statistical strategies, and novel auditory stimulus development.
Dr. Hwa is also the medical director of the Center for Adult-Onset Hearing Loss (CAOHL), a multidisciplinary translational research effort in novel gene discovery and future gene therapy for adult patients with early-onset sensorineural hearing loss. For more information about the CAOHL, please visit the dedicated website here.
We evaluate disparities in access and implementation of hearing healthcare, including language proficiency, insurance status, and socioeconomic status. This work includes chart review, national database review, and literature review, as well as prospective qualitative studies based on real-world patient interviews.
We conduct multi-institutional collaborations to evaluate music experience in patients with hearing loss, including cochlear implant recipients and hearing aid users. Current collaborations include Columbia University (Dr. Anil Lalwani), Stanford University (Dr. Lloyd May), and Johns Hopkins University. We additionally have a specific interest and active grant funding to develop a computerized adaptive test of music perception after cochlear implantation. Most of this work involves prospective clinical research.
Current hearing assessment is language-specific, making it difficult to distinguish perceptual hearing deficits from language-related semantic or syntactic variations. Our lab conducts multidisciplinary research with colleagues in Audiology and Linguistics to develop a language-agnostic paradigm for hearing assessment. In turn, this work will have multiple applications for studying auditory processing, neural encoding of speech, or plasticity in cochlear implant outcomes across linguistic backgrounds.
We conduct chart reviews and literature reviews to assess clinical and surgical outcomes for patients with otologic and neurotologic disorders. Techniques include univariate and multivariate regressions, propensity score matching, systematic review and meta-analysis, and other contemporary statistical analyses.
We evaluate contemporary topics in surgical education and training. Our techniques include survey-based cohort studies and qualitative interviews, with topics ranging from virtual reality trainers for temporal bone dissection to gender-based differences in work-life balance.
We closely collaborate with industry partners to conduct clinical trials at the cutting edge of our field. Recent trials include expanding indications for cochlear implantation and evaluation of ototoxicity in monoclonal antibodies.