Meet the research team
Professor Tracey Newman
I am a Professor in Neuroimmunology, and scientific adviser to the Auditory Implant Service. I lead a research group focused on investigating the links between inflammation, dementia, and hearing loss and how to improve hearing with a cochlear implant.
Dr Kate Hough
I am postdoctoral researcher interested in improving outcomes for people with a cochlear implant by better understanding how the body interacts with a cochlear implant. I want to learn from lived experience to improve our research. I am passionate about raising awareness of hearing loss and cochlear implants.
Click here to read an article written by Kate for British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People.
Dr Mary Grasmeder
I am a senior clinical scientist and researcher at the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service. I have been involved in research in diverse areas including psychoacoustic, music perception and cochlear implant adverse events. It is wonderful to see people enjoying the benefits of cochlear implants. There are so many more discoveries to be made in this dynamic and fascinating area.
Heather Parsons
During my role as a patient and public involvement officer from the Research Design Service (South-Central), I worked with researchers from the University to establish this group. I have been a patient contributor for local and national projects before taking up my current role.
Barney Jones
I was a patient and public involvement officer from the Wessex Public Involvement Network. I worked with researchers from the University to establish this group. My patient and public involvement experience involves working with the public and researchers to make sure that research is inclusive, ethical, and relevant to the public.