Laboratory For Auditory Research In April, 1987, the auditory physiology laboratory was established in the name of singer/songwriter Ray Charles to acknowledge his contributions to Ear International. The laboratory's work includes: * Pre-operative diagnosis and testing of prospective cochlear implant patients. * Follow-up testing and adjustments of the implant device in the post-operative period. * Development and evaluation of new auditory devices, diagnostic procedures and techniques. * Collection and analysis of research data on auditory pathology. CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS Analyzing the effectiveness of the information produced by different cochlear implants and developing a procedure to measure the proportion of speech sounds that can be translated by them. This will lead to selection and subsequent adjustment of a cochlear device to fit the patient. Synthesizing word sounds so that the effect of the different speech sounds transmitted to the patient can be studied. This will lead to improved design of the cochlear implant device and to a better understanding of how to adjust the device to meet the patient's needs. Development of speech and hearing training programs for cochlear implant patients to measure and improve the rate of progress of their hearing and speech. These programs will involve the patient's family. Development of a speech data base to study the voice characteristics of cochlear implant patients. Develop innovative methods for teaching hearing impaired patients better techniques of speech production and verbal communication through detailed analysis of deaf speech. Development of an electronic tinnitus suppressing implant for patients with useful hearing. Research into the cause of Bell's palsy and hemifacial spasm and development of effective treatment. Advanced vestibular diagnostic testing for the evaluation of balance disorders. Electronic devices implanted in the inner ear which translate speech sounds into pulses that stimulate the auditory nerve and provide understandable information to the deaf patient. SCOPE OF PROGRAM Surgical and diagnostic training. Homograft bank to provide implant material for reconstructive ear surgery. Clinical Fellowships International Fellowships. Courses and seminars on implant technology. Advanced diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders. Research on speech production, analysis and synthesis. Facial nerve disorder research and new therapy. Diagnosis and therapy for vocal tract disorders. Advanced hearing aid research. Diagnosis and new therapy for intractable tinnitus. Dietary counseling for hearing disorders related to food allergies. Provide clearing house for new information relative to causes and prevention of hearing loss, speech and voice disorders. Develop programs and distribute information to primary and secondary schools, community organizations, local clubs, and other interested parties. We also focus educational efforts on specific groups which have a higher degree of hearing loss than the rest of the population.