{"id":1984,"date":"2019-03-15T23:08:38","date_gmt":"2019-03-15T23:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~callier\/about-callier\/creating-the-ability-to-connect\/creating-the-ability-to-connect-through-research\/"},"modified":"2019-12-02T14:38:20","modified_gmt":"2019-12-02T20:38:20","slug":"creating-the-ability-to-connect-through-research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/calliercenter.utdallas.edu\/about-callier\/creating-the-ability-to-connect\/creating-the-ability-to-connect-through-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating the Ability to Connect through Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dr. Edward Lobarinas, UT Dallas associate professor of audiology (left); Christina Campbell, doctoral student in the UT Dallas Doctor of Audiology Program (center); and Barry Epstein, founder of Hear Us Now Foundation (right) <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Researchers at the Callier Center often develop new\ntechnologies to help those with speech, language or hearing impairments. But\nsometimes these investigators add to the work of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Edward Lobarinas, associate professor of audiology, and doctoral\nstudent Christina Campbell are studying \u201cHear Us Now,\u201d an enhanced audio system\nfor those with hearing impairments attending a public performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur hypothesis is that this sound processing system should\nimprove the sound quality and listening experience for hearing-impaired patrons\nover existing systems, but the data will ultimately determine whether it\u2019s\nbetter or not,\u201d Lobarinas said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system was developed by Barry Epstein who, as a board\nmember of the Dallas Summer Musicals, wanted hearing-impaired individuals to\nhave a better theater experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He led the development of the \u201cHear Us Now\u201d system, which\ncurrently is being used at the Music Hall at Fair Park and the Meyerson\nSymphony Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To verify whether the system is better than what patrons\nhave previously experienced, Epstein asked the Callier Center to provide a\nscientific, unbiased study of the technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campbell said she respected the fact that Epstein approached\nUT Dallas to get a legitimate scientific evaluation of the \u201cHear Us Now\u201d\nsystem, because they all share the same goal: helping individuals with hearing\nloss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’m in the field of audiology because I want to help\npeople,\u201d she said. \u201cSo I was excited to be able to be a part of something that\nhopefully can help shape the way that the public uses technology like this,\u201d\nshe said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epstein agreed that the work being done by Lobarinas and\nCampbell will help more people experience theater sound in the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI feel very fortunate for that connection to have been\nmade. I have such respect for Callier; their involvement will be key to the\nongoing mutual success in this area,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c Our research at Callier can have a direct impact on our community. We are excited to work with technology aimed at enhancing the listening experience of hearing-impaired children and adults at musical and theater events. \u201d <\/p> \u2013 Dr. Edward Lobarinas, associate professor <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Stories to Inspire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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