Purdue to host grand opening of Accessible Precision Audiology Research Center in Indianapolis on Oct. 25

A new Purdue University facility dedicated to reducing the burdens of untreated hearing loss is scheduled to open in downtown Indianapolis this week. The Accessible Precision Audiology Research Center (APARC) is opening at the 16 Tech Innovation District, adjacent to Purdue University in Indianapolis, the urban expansion that launched July 1. The center will be both a leader in precision audiology research and an important hearing health access point for the Indiana community and beyond.

A grand opening event with remarks from Purdue and 16 Tech leaders will take place Oct. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at 1220 Waterway Blvd., Suite H120 in Indianapolis.

Precision audiology can be thought of as advanced and individualized assessment for hearing health. It goes beyond measuring only hearing sensitivity in quiet, delving into the intricacies of how the entire auditory system supports real-world communication. APARC investigates and advances technologies to address complexities of hearing loss and their profound impact on overall health and well-being. By incorporating innovations in machine learning, AI, and open-source technology for mechanistic and accessible precision audiology, APARC can help to account for neurological and audiological variations among individuals to facilitate personalized treatment for all.

“We are excited to bring the leading edge of audiology research and support to communities within Indiana,” said Michael Heinz, APARC director and associate head for research in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. “APARC will serve as a resource for those looking for expert information about hearing loss, testing and treatment options, as well as help to translate the mechanistic science we are doing on West Lafayette’s campus into better testing methods for characterizing an individual’s specific hearing loss.”

The center leverages Purdue’s internationally recognized expertise in audiology (the No. 8 graduate program in the U.S.), auditory neuroscience and AI-driven data analytics to facilitate precision audiology. APARC’s initiatives include the development and testing of an open-source platform for accessible hearing research as part of an NIH-funded collaboration with Creare LLC and the University of Pittsburgh. This work will create a robust data hub for standardized hearing measures, enabling transformative research and improved health outcomes in both urban and rural communities.

Visit the APARC website to learn more about hearing health or to volunteer for important hearing research at the center.