Research Streams
Hearing Research International advances innovative research across two strategic priority areas to support greater worldwide impact and collaboration: Hearing Health and Deaf Studies.
Whether you are seeking funding or interested in supporting research that drives meaningful societal impact, Hearing Research International welcomes the opportunity to connect.
Hearing Health Stream
Supports interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of auditory and vestibular systems, drives innovation in hearing technologies and care delivery, and improves quality of life, public health, and social participation for individuals affected by hearing loss.
Priority Areas
Understanding how auditory & vestibular system work, adapt and respond to change
- Auditory & Vestibular Function (e.g., anatomy, physiology, diagnostics)
- Hearing & Balance Conditions (e.g., hearing loss, tinnitus, auditory processing disorders, Meniere’s)
- Perception & Psychoacoustics (e.g., speech in noise, spatial hearing)
Developing technologies and service models to enhance hearing health
- Technology & Devices (e.g., hearing aids, implants, assistive devices)
- Rehabilitation & Intervention (e.g., aural and vestibular rehab, counseling & digital tools)
- Service Delivery & Access Models (e.g., virtual care, OTC devices, team-based models, hybrid care)
Improving daily functioning, long-term outcomes, and social inclusion
- Hearing Loss & Quality of Life (e.g., mental health, aging, daily functioning, comorbidities, noise exposure, cognition)
- Population & Public Health (e.g., screening, prevention, health equity, system integration)
- Social Participation & Communication Access (e.g., stigma reduction, accessibility, communication support tools)
Deaf Studies Stream
The Deaf Studies stream supports research that centres on the lived experiences, cultural identities, languages, and systemic inclusion of Deaf and Deafblind individuals and communities. It welcomes inquiry across education, accessibility, social justice, policy, community development, Deaf and Deafblind health and well-being, and Deaf-led knowledge creation.
Priority Areas
Exploring the lived experiences, histories, and cultural contributions of the Deaf and Deafblind communities.
- Language & Literacy (e.g., ASL/LSQ research, language acquisition, bilingual education)
- Culture & Identity (e.g., Deafhood, intersectional identity, lived experience)
- Perception & Psychoacoustics (e.g., leadership, advocacy Deaf-led initiatives)
Addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive education, access and rights.
- Education & Learning Environments (e.g., Deaf education models, bilingual curricula, accessibility in schools)
- Equity & Inclusion (e.g., human rights, anti-audism, Indigenous and racial equity)
- Programs, Services & Policies (e.g., inclusive service design, accessibility policy, Deaf employment research)
Promoting health access, and full societal engagement across the lifespan
- Social Participation & Accessibility (e.g., barrier-free environments, digital inclusion, civic access)
- Health & Well-Being (e.g., mental health, aging in Deaf communities, Deaf-specific healthcare access)
- Economic & Employment Outcomes (e.g., income equity, Deaf entrepreneurship, workplace accessibility)