As scientists seek to understand more about the brain and how it functions, neuroimaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide integral tools in this pursuit. However, an MRI is not possible for all study participants such as individuals with a cochlear implant or other implanted medical devices that would be susceptible to an MRI’s powerful magnet.
A new study from the Binaural Hearing and Speech Lab at the Waisman Center examines functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) – a neuroimaging option that is safe for individuals with metal implants – and validates a technique that makes this neuroimaging tool a more effective option.
The Binaural Hearing and Speech Lab, which is led by Waisman investigator Ruth Litovsky, Ph.D., studies binaural hearing in individuals with and without bilateral cochlear implants.