Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesDepartment of Otolaryngology

Auditory perception in individuals with Friedreich ataxia

Investigator: Gary Rance

Project Title: Auditory perception in individuals with Friedreich ataxia

Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease that has been shown in previous studies to include hearing impairment as a symptom (Corben et al, 2006). Auditory function in those affected by this condition is yet to be fully characterised but previously reported cases have shown that the hearing loss follows an auditory neuropathy (AN) pattern where a range of perceptual problems occur. This study will involve adult patients, but the findings will relate to those obtained from our paediatric AN/AD population. In obtaining a better understanding of the perceptual difficulties associated with this particular form of neural pathology we may better understand what is going awry with our young patients and gain some insights into how they should be managed.

Funding:

  • Wagstaff Research Fellowship in Otolaryngology
  • Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance (US)
  • Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance (Aust)
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