The National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) located at the Portland VA Medical Center (PVAMC) was established in 1997, and is currently one of fourteen Centers of Excellence funded by the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development (RR&D) Service. It is the only such center dedicated to the discovery and delivery of cutting-edge solutions to auditory system impairments. The NCRAR is also unique among auditory research facilities because of its focus on the rehabilitation of auditory dysfunction and translation of research findings into practice. The Center uses a multi-disciplinary approach that includes both basic and clinical research components to bring diverse perspectives and solutions to common auditory problems. We carry out clinical trials, develop technologies, and plan an important role in cultivating the next generation of auditory researchers through education and mentoring programs.
The NCRAR's consortium of researchers work on a number of projects to increase knowledge about hearing impairments and improve the care and treatment for veterans with hearing loss. The NCRAR also has developed and nurtured mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships with an impressive network of academic institutions, other Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Health & Human Services Office on Disability, commercial industries, and private foundations who pursue specific education, research and development objectives consistent with the vision, mission and guiding principles of the Center.
The Center conducts research, trains new scientists, and disseminates information to clinicians who assess and treat veterans with hearing disabilities. In addition, the Center works to educate and inform the public about conservation, how to prevent further hearing loss and effectively cope with tinnitus.
Guiding Principals
To improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired veterans by providing practical solutions to fundamental problems associated with chronic impairments of the auditory system;
To foster and expand partnerships with community institutions, for education, dissemination of information, and training of rehabilitative auditory research-scientists and clinical professionals;
To continue the development of shared core center facilities and equipment resources with collaborating programs and institutions to deliver effective rehabilitative therapeutics in the most efficient manner; and
To utilize the research synergy of the NCRAR to develop useful innovative research and rehabilitation technologies that directly influence and contribute toward establishing standards of clinical practice.
Organizational Chart (Top)
Advisory Groups (Top)
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National Advisory Board: A group of professionals within the field of clinical auditory research and hearing rehabilitation have been identified to support the NCRAR:
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Walter McDonald, M.D., F.A.C.P., Executive Vice President, American College of Physicians
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James Jerger, Ph.D., Distinguished Scholar in Residence, University of Texas at Dallas
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Allen Ryan, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Research, Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Diego
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Cynthia Fowler, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Wisconsin
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John Durrant, Ph.D., Director of Audiology, Department of Communication Science & Disorders and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
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Leonard Rybak, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University
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Donald E. Morgan, Ph.D., Hearing Resource Group Inc.
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Doug Ohlin, Ph.D., US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine
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Leslie M. Burger, M.D., FACP, Major General, USA (Ret), Department of Veterans Affairs
These individuals visit the Center as necessary to provide advice on research design and direction, progression of studies, data analysis, symposium objectives, etc.
Local Advisory Council: A group of professionals within the Portland VAMC, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the local community and veteran service organizations who provide support to the Director and Associate Director of the NCRAR:
- Mark Richardson, M.D., MSc.B., M.B.A., Interim Dean in the School of Medicine, and Professor of Otolaryngology, OHSU
- Lesley Hallick, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, OHSU
- Jerry Schleining, Department Service Officer, American Legion
- Michael Davey, M.D., Ph.D., ACOS, Research Service, PVAMC
- John Kendall, M.D., Academic Affiliation Liaison, VISN 20
- James Tuchschmidt, M.D., M.M., Chief Executive Officer, PVAMC
These individuals provide advisement and guidance on specific programmatic issues related to effective networking and interfacing for the purposes of expanding the Center's consortium, presence and support.
Consortium of Collaborators (Top)
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