Hearing Epidemiology and Research Diagnostics (HEARD) Laboratory
What is The HEARD Lab?
The Hearing Epidemiology and Research Diagnostics (HEARD) Laboratory is led by Principal Investigator Rachael R. Baiduc, PhD, MPH. We are generally interested in understanding risk factors for adult-onset hearing loss, particularly those related to cardiometabolic risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. We have two streams of research. First, we use “big data” approaches to explore these connections using epidemiological and clinical datasets. Second, our lab-based studies analyze relationships between cardiovascular disease risk factors and the inner workings of the ear. A major focus of this work is otoacoustic emissions, low-level sounds emitted by the inner ear. We can measure these sounds using small microphones in the ear canal and analyze their relationship to cardiometabolic and overall health. Our research has been funded by the University of Colorado Boulder Innovative Seed Grant, the Hearing Health Foundation, and the American Hearing Research Foundation, and the National Institues of Health (NIDCD).
Current projects
This project examines the effect of individual and aggregate cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors on hearing using electronic health records from the University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCHealth) ...
This NIH-funded project is evaluating potential associations between cochlear dysfunction and hypertension. We are characterizing Black-white differences in inner ear health associated with Stage 2 Hypertension, a chronic condition that is prevalent in the Black population. This study is enrolling participants...
This project explores the potential connection between cardiovascular risk status and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. We are using electronic health records from the University of Colorado School of Medicine system...
Meet our Team
Rachael R. Baiduc
Director • Lead Investigator
SPEECH • LANGUAGE • AND HEARING SCIENCES
Madison Romero
Doctoral Student in Audiology • Graduate Research Assistant
SPEECH • LANGUAGE • AND HEARING SCIENCES
Graham Gansar
Doctoral Student in Audiology • Graduate Research Assistant
SPEECH • LANGUAGE • AND HEARING SCIENCES
Kelly Keating
Recent SLHS Graduate • Research Assistant
SPEECH • LANGUAGE • AND HEARING SCIENCES