Multisensory processing in children and adults: effects of sensory and language disabilities

Mr Mohit Shivdasani
Research Engineer






Ms Ayla Baratchu
Research Assistant

Dr David Grayden
Special Research
Fellow
The University of Melbourne



Mr Hamish Innes-Brown
Research Assistant

Development of speech and language relies on accurate auditory perception as well as the integration of auditory and visual information. Yet little is known about the development of auditory and visual integration and how this is related to language acquisition. With the use of a Bionic Ear, auditory sensation can be restored in some children with hearing loss. Despite advances in Bionic Ear technology, these children are generally not expected to reach their age-appropriate spoken language level by age four.

Using a unique combination of language assessment techniques and brain recordings we intend to better understand auditory and visual integrative processes in children with good hearing and those who have a hearing impairment. We hope to identify factors underlying successful language acquisition. Identifying these factors will enable the development of appropriate strategies to ensure that children with hearing impairments, Bionic Ears and language disabilities can achieve better language outcomes.


Funding


Victorian Foundation for the Oral Education of the Deaf (ANZ Trustees)
Perpetual Trustees Foundation
William Angliss Trust
Jack & Robert Smorgon Family Trusts
Deafness Foundation
Sunshine Foundation
Pierce Armstrong Trust
Bertalli Family Foundation