Labyrinth Audiology
Our Work and Research
In this page you will see a summary of our work and research followed by an AI generated audio interview and narrative on every topic presented here. We hope you find this section helpful and please call or text us at (561) 807-7873 or email us at info@labyrinthaudiology.com if you have a question or need an appointment.
1. Professor Dr. Ali A. Danesh, Curriculum Vitae
The provided text is the curriculum vitae of Dr. Ali A. Danesh, a Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida Atlantic University and a consultant at Labyrinth Audiology in Boca Raton, Florida. This detailed document outlines his extensive academic background, including his Ph.D. in Audiology, as well as his numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, focusing significantly on topics like tinnitus, hyperacusis, misophonia, and auditory issues in autism spectrum disorders. The CV also highlights Dr. Danesh’s teaching experience, administrative roles, professional affiliations, editorial board memberships, research grants, presentations, service activities, licensure, awards, and completed dissertations and theses he has supervised, illustrating his broad and impactful career in audiology research and education.
2. Professor Danesh on Hearing Aids
(An AI- generated audio file about hearing aids based on a lecture by Dr. Danesh)
The provided text from Professor Danesh and health information websites comprehensively covers hearing aids, beginning with the components and controls of these devices. It traces the history and various styles of hearing aids, including modern digital and implantable options, alongside their underlying technology and circuits. The text also explains the process of selecting and fitting hearing aids, discusses realistic expectations for their use, and touches upon challenges in successful fittings and methods of verification. Finally, it briefly mentions audiologic recommendations and the significance of binaural hearing.
3. Professor Danesh explains the tinnitus management and intervention program and his research
Tinnitus: Sensation, Emotion, Cognition Model for Management
1 source
Professor Danesh proposes an audiological management protocol for tinnitus, hyperacusis and misophonia that addresses three key areas: sensation, emotion, and cognition (SEC). The “sensation” level uses sound therapy or bimodal electrical stimulation to reduce the perception of the piercing sound of tinnitus. The “emotion” level uses methods for reducing the emotional reaction to tinnitus and managing the autonomic nervous system response. The “cognition” level employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and internet-based CBT (iCBT) to address negative thoughts associated with tinnitus. Research suggests that integrating sound generators, counseling, and iCBT can effectively reduce the impact of tinnitus, and that iCBT can also decrease the impact of anxiety and depression. Past research has explored links between parental mental health, childhood experiences, and the severity of tinnitus, hyperacusis and misophonia.
4. New Research from Professor Danesh and his team
Guided iCBT for Tinnitus: Addressing Sensation, Emotion, and Cognition
1 source
Researchers investigated a structured tinnitus intervention program that addresses the factors of Sensation, Emotion, and Cognition (SEC). The study focuses on individuals experiencing tinnitus and seeks to manage the condition through sound therapy, counseling, and guided internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT). Building on previous research using unguided iCBT, this study introduces clinician-guided iCBT to enhance engagement and coping strategies. Preliminary results indicate improvements in tinnitus-related distress, with participants showing enhanced ability to manage their condition and reduced emotional distress. The data supports the effectiveness of this approach, which addresses the perceptual, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of tinnitus. Future research will refine treatment by exploring different sound generators, patient preferences, and long-term sustainability.
5. Presentation by Professor Ali Danesh:
Misophonia: Mysteries, Management, and Neurobiological Insights
1 source
Misophonia is a decreased sound tolerance disorder characterized by strong emotional and physiological reactions to specific sounds, particularly those repetitive and human-produced. The condition is not about the loudness of the sound, but rather the content, and often triggers feelings like anger, anxiety, and disgust. Research explores the neurobiological underpinnings of misophonia, identifying key brain regions like the insular cortex and amygdala and suggests that motor responses also play a significant role. Studies indicate misophonia can significantly impact quality of life, leading to avoidance behaviors, social isolation, and even self-harm, and commonly co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders. Assessment involves case history, questionnaires, and audiologic testing, while management strategies include sound therapy, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. The information also calls for greater awareness among academics and personalized treatment plans.
6. Hyperacusis: Underlying Pathophysiology and Management Professor Danesh Explains it All!
The provided text is primarily from a presentation by Professor Danesh outlining the underlying pathophysiology, definitions, and management of hyperacusis, a decreased sound tolerance disorder. It discusses neurological, peripheral, and central causes of the condition, along with associated pathological conditions and comorbidities such as tinnitus, autism spectrum disorder, and psychological issues like anxiety and depression. The presentation also covers various methods for evaluating hyperacusis, including loudness discomfort levels and questionnaires. Finally, it explores different treatment approaches, encompassing psychological therapies like CBT, sound therapy techniques, and mentions limited research into medical and surgical interventions.
7. Bimodal Stimulation for Tinnitus: Mechanisms and Efficacy and Intro to Lenire
(Dr. Danesh Explains How Bimodal Stimulation works?)
The primary source is a presentation by Dr. Ali A. Danesh, an audiology professor, outlining the use of bimodal auditory and electrical stimulation for tinnitus treatment. It defines tinnitus and bimodal neuromodulation, contrasting it with unimodal approaches and highlighting the need for effective treatments. The presentation reviews various methods of electrical stimulation and discusses both invasive and non-invasive neuromodulatory interventions. Furthermore, it references studies, including one on Lenire, showing the potential of auditory-somatosensory stimulation in reducing tinnitus loudness and distress in both animal models and human subjects.
8. Hidden Secrets of the Human Ear, Dr. Ali Danesh makes it easy
The provided material from Dr. Danesh’s presentation, along with supplementary web links and a radiology article, comprehensively outlines the anatomy and function of the human ear, spanning from the outer ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms to the brain’s auditory processing. It details the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear, emphasizing the significance of components like the tympanic membrane, ossicles, and hair cells. Various conditions and pathologies affecting the ear are described, including perforations, infections like otitis externa, congenital abnormalities such as atresia and microtia, and neurological issues like facial paralysis and acoustic neuroma. Clinical aspects such as otoscopy, family and medical history in diagnosis, and potential treatments including surgery and hearing aids are also touched upon. Essentially, the collection offers an overview of the ear’s normal state, potential problems, and related medical considerations.
9. The Genetics of Tinnitus: Unraveling the Phantom Sound
(Report By Professor Danesh on The Genetics of Tinnitus and our current knowledge)
The provided sources collectively explore the genetic underpinnings of tinnitus, a phantom auditory perception. They discuss various research approaches, including twin studies highlighting heritability, candidate gene studies investigating specific gene associations, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying broader genetic links and shared susceptibilities with neuropsychiatric conditions. The texts also examine molecular mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation, the influence of gene-environment interactions, and the heterogeneity of tinnitus, emphasizing the need for large-scale studies and precise classification to advance diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the sources touch upon epigenetic factors like DNA methylation and the potential role of biomarkers and the serotonergic system in understanding this complex condition.
10. Decreased Sound Tolerance in Children: Hyperacusis and Misophonia
(Professor Danesh explains the decreased sound tolerance disorders in children)
The provided podcast from Professor Danesh explores decreased sound tolerance (DST) in children, specifically focusing on hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound loudness) and misophonia (strong negative reactions to specific sounds). Research into the prevalence, causes, and impact of these conditions, including their frequent co-occurrence with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and mental health challenges, is examined. The sources also discuss the difficulties in assessing and diagnosing DST in children due to a lack of child-specific tools and review various management and treatment approaches, highlighting the need for further research to develop effective interventions. Finally, a proposal for MDMA-assisted therapy for misophonia is introduced as a potential future treatment avenue.
11. Hearing Hair Cell Regeneration: Mechanisms and Therapies
(Based on a lecture by Professor Ali Danesh)
The provided lecture outlines, website excerpts, and research findings collectively discuss the anatomy and physiology of the human ear, specifically focusing on hearing hair cells within the cochlea and the mechanisms of hearing. The sources explore the causes and statistics of hearing loss, including noise exposure, genetics, and ototoxic medications, and differentiate between types of hearing loss. A significant portion addresses hair cell regeneration, examining its occurrence in animal models like birds and the limited capacity in mammals. Finally, the materials investigate potential treatments such as gene therapy targeting genes like Atoh1 and drug therapies inhibiting the Notch pathway to stimulate hair cell regrowth.
12. Understanding Vertigo and Balance Disorders by Professor Ali Danesh
This document, presented by Dr. Ali Danesh of Labyrinth Audiology, provides an overview of vertigo and balance disorders. It explains how our eyes, ears, muscles, joints, and brain contribute to balance, with a particular emphasis on the vestibular system. The text defines vertigo and balance disorders, discusses their impact on the elderly, and outlines the mechanisms of balance. Furthermore, it details causes, symptoms, and types of balance issues, along with diagnostic tests like VNG and potential treatments, including vestibular rehabilitation and fall prevention strategies.
13. Tinnitus Management: Approaches and Clinical Integration a lecture prepared by Dr. Ali Danesh and Dr. Farzon Danesh at Labyrinth Audiology
This lecture by Professor Ali Danesh and Dr. Farzon Danesh, who are experts in tinnitus, provides an overview of general approaches to tinnitus management, tracing its historical recognition and defining key terminology like tinnitus and somatosound. It highlights common misconceptions about treatment and outlines essential components of clinical management, including evaluation, various treatment categories such as sound therapy and psychological approaches like CBT, and considerations for hearing loss. The lecture also touches upon recent research on factors influencing coping with tinnitus and emphasizes the audiologist’s role in providing effective consultation and management for this prevalent condition.
14. Genetics of Hearing Loss Explained by Professor Ali Danesh
This document from Professor Danesh of Labyrinth Audiology and Florida Atlantic University provides a detailed overview of the genetics of hearing loss. It begins with a history of genetics and then discusses chromosome structure and abnormalities, followed by classifications of hearing disorders based on inheritance patterns. The text extensively covers specific genes and loci associated with both non-syndromic and syndromic hearing loss, including their functions and related conditions like Usher and Pendred syndromes. Finally, the document touches upon molecular testing for hearing loss and the emerging field of gene therapy as a potential treatment.
15. Managing Hyperacusis: The approach using the concepts of Sensation, Emotion, and Cognition by Professor Dr. Ali Danesh
The provided text is primarily from a presentation by Dr. Ali A. Danesh, an audiologist and professor, outlining the multifaceted nature and management of hyperacusis, a condition characterized by increased sound sensitivity. The presentation defines hyperacusis, discusses its prevalence in various populations and associated conditions, and explores proposed subtypes and neural mechanisms, including its distinction from loudness recruitment. It also covers assessment methods, such as questionnaires and loudness discomfort level measurements, while acknowledging the current lack of objective diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the material details various management strategies, including medical, surgical, psychological (like CBT), and audiological approaches such as sound therapy and patient education, emphasizing a holistic approach addressing sensation, emotion, and cognition. The inclusion of external links and references suggests a compilation of research and clinical insights into hyperacusis.
16. Auditory Processing Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment Explained from the work of Dr. Ali Danesh and his current and former auditory processing specialists Dr. Rebecca Anderson and Dr. Harlee Atkins
This document, authored primarily by Dr. Ali Danesh and colleagues, provides a comprehensive overview of Auditory Processing Disorders (APDs), explaining how the ear and brain work together in listening. It defines APDs as deficits in processing auditory information in the central nervous system, distinguishing them from hearing loss and language processing disorders. The text explores the redundant auditory system, its anatomy, and how sound is processed, also covering factors like maturation and potential impairments. Finally, it discusses diagnosis and management strategies for APDs, including environmental modifications, compensatory techniques, and direct remediation approaches, emphasizing the roles of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.