The Aural Rehabilitation (AR) lab is directed by Kathy Cienkowski, Ph.D. The AR lab studies how to improve communication outcomes for individuals with hearing loss across the lifespan through patient-centered care. Research focuses on engaging patients and families in their hearing healthcare decisions including enhancing access to communication, promoting shared decision-making, and empowering individuals to take an active role in managing their hearing healthcare needs. The lab investigates how to best provide clear, accessible information while respecting patient preferences as well as strategies to improve treatment adherence, satisfaction, and overall hearing health outcomes. The lab also supports community engaged research by partnering with the local Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) chapters. 

The lab is currently supporting the development of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Access Guide to Hearing Related Services in CT. This is done in partnership with the Eastern CT HLAA chapter. In collaboration with Dr. Woodruff-Gautherin (AR lab alum), the lab is also examining variability across early intervention services and payment structures to support services for children with hearing loss and their families. A third project underway is a revision to the Word Intelligibility by Picture Identification (WIPI) test.   

A fun fact about the AR lab is that students in the lab once listened to over 600 hours of the Wizard of Oz audiobook for a study of hearing aid batteries sponsored by Duracell.  

You can follow the AR lab @aural.rehab.lab.uconn on Instagram and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076393987365