Olivia is currently a first-year doctoral student at Central Michigan University's Audiology program. She previously earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she graduated with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Current position:

Student/Graduate Assistant

Project: Olivia is working closely with Dr. Zheng to determine a doc project. They are currently looking into the effectiveness of tinnitus programs for patients with various degrees of tinnitus. 

Contact information: 

miron1o@cmich.edu 

Alder is currently a first-year student in the Audiology graduate program. She is originally from Fishers, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in May 2025. Adler is very passionate about the field and is excited to gain so much more knowledge and hands-on experience at Central Michigan. 

Current position:

Student

Project: Alder's is building upon Sam Bujak's research and examining how hearing aid users perceive sound, with a specific focus on fitting formulas. Fitting formulas have massive effects on the targets, but she hopes to examine how they will change the perception of loudness. Adler plans to examine various degrees of hearing loss and apply different formulas to measure the participant's comfort level, speech understanding, and intelligibility. The goal of this work is to understand better the relationship between various degrees of hearing loss and which fitting formula will best improve hearing abilities at that degree. This will aid in more effective outcomes for hearing aid users. 

Sam is a second-year graduate student in the audiology program and is from Columbus, Ohio. She obtained my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Sam is passionate about clinical audiology and committed to providing patient-centered care that improves communication and quality of life.

Current position:

Student/Graduate Assistant

Project:

Sam's research focuses on how individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss perceive loudness when using hearing aids. Specifically, she examines how different levels of amplification in hearing aid fittings affect loudness perception, most comfortable listening levels, and speech understanding in noise. The goal of this work is to better understand the relationship between different degrees of hearing loss and loudness perception, which may lead to improved hearing aid fitting strategies for clinicians and more effective outcomes for patients.

Jacquelyn is a second-year audiology student.  She has been interested in audiology since she received hearing aids as a young teenager. 

Current position:

Student

Project: This project investigates Word Recognition Test scores in individuals for whom English is their second language. The goal is to better understand how language background influences their performance on a specific clinical test. 

Matthew Klinzing is currently a doctoral student at Central Michigan University's Audiology program. He previously attended UW-Madison, where he obtained my B.A. in Communications Sciences and Disorders. 

Current Position: 

Student/GA under Dr. Jackson

Project: Matthew is investigating the effectiveness of different tinnitus programs for individuals with high-pitched tinnitus, with the goal of determining whether these programs differ significantly in their ability to reduce the perceived severity of tinnitus.

Contact information: 

klinz1m@cmich.edu

Rawad is currently a second-year graduate student in the audiology program and is originally from Columbus, Ohio. Rawad obtained his undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. He is passionate about clinical audiology and committed to providing patient-centered care that improves communication and quality of life.

Current position:

Graduate Assistant

Project:

Rawad's research focuses on how individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss perceive loudness when using hearing aids. Specifically, he is examining how different levels of amplification in hearing aid fittings affect loudness perception, most comfortable listening levels, and speech understanding in noise. The goal of this work is to better understand the relationship between different degrees of hearing loss and loudness perception, which may lead to improved hearing aid fitting strategies for clinicians and more effective outcomes for patients.

Project: Fitting formula effects on hearing aid fitting for different degrees and configurations of hearing losses

Abstract: This study investigated the acoustical and perceptual effects of fitting formulae on hearing aid fitting. Software simulations and real ear measurements (REMs) on KEMAR were completed on flat, rising, and sloping hearing losses (HLs). Each configuration included four degrees of HLs and 20/25 sub-configurations for each rising/sloping loss. REMs and perceptual responses from NH listener were completed for simulated mild HLs. Results showed significant impact of fitting formula on gain, output, and perception. Further effects of multiple aspects were reported. Recommendations regarding appropriate fitting formula selection for different HLs were discussed providing insights for better hearing aid fitting outcomes.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2024)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2024)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2024)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions

Student Presentation Grant, $400, 2024

Project: Comparison of hearing devices: OTC, PSAP, and prescription hearing aids

Presented: 

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2024)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2024)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2024)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $400, 2024

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $1000, 2023

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $250, 2023

Dr. Amanda Smith (Brown) is a Pediatric Audiologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with clinical expertise in diagnostics, electrophysiology, hearing aids, and bone conduction devices (both surgical and non-surgical). She is dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to children with hearing loss, using advanced diagnostic tools and treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s needs. Through a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Smith collaborates closely with families and healthcare teams to support optimal auditory and developmental outcomes.

Project: Combined effects of high-frequency hearing loss, fitting formula, and venting on real ear sound level and patient perception

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2024, accepted)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2024)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2024)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $400, 2024

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $300, 2023

Graduate student PECP grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, $350, 2023

Contact:

Brownamanda98@gmail.com 

Project: Acoustic impact of degree and configuration of high frequency hearing loss on hearing aid fitting

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2023)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2023)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2023)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $400, 2024

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $300, 2023

Graduate student PECP grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, $350, 2023

Dr. Lin Xia, Au.D., is a clinical audiologist specializing in adult hearing and vestibular diagnostics at St. Luke’s Health ENT Clinic in Idaho. She earned her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from Central Michigan University in 2025 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Xia began practicing in the field of audiology in 2019 during her undergraduate studies and has remained dedicated to clinical care ever since. Her professional interests include hearing aid fitting, comprehensive audiologic evaluations, and vestibular assessment. She is passionate about providing individualized, patient-centered care and is committed to empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their hearing health.

Project: Guide to hearing aid selection: Handbook for audiology clinicians

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2023)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2023)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2023)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $300, 2023

Graduate student PECP grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, $350, 2023

 Dr. Zeller-Gerten is currently employed at a hospital as a clinical audiologist at Lima Memorial Health System. She performs ABR, VNG, hearing aid fittings, and hearing evaluations.

Project: Acoustical outcomes and perceptual differences between the Phonak ActiveVentTM receiver and standard receiver with open domes

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2023)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2023)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2024)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Presentation Grant, $300, 2023

Graduate student PECP grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, $350, 2023

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $650, 2022

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $999.9, 2022

Contact: 

zeller2018@icloud.com 

Project: Vent and fitting formula effect on hearing aid fitting in listeners with sloping sensorineural hearing loss

Presented:

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2022)

Virtual poster presentation at a national conference (ASHA, November 2021)

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $672.25, 2021

Michigan Hearing Experts

Karlina Didion, Au.D. graduated from Central Michigan University with her Doctorate in Audiology in May of 2023. Karlina loves all aspects of audiology, but her passion lies in hearing and balance evaluations, hearing aids, and bone conduction devices. She is originally from Greenville, MI and currently resides in Grand Rapids, MI.

Project: A comparison of traditional and otoscan ear impression techniques and earmold comfort

Presented:

Paper published in an international journal (Bioengineering), 2023

Virtual oral presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2021)

Virtual poster presentation at a national conference (ASHA, November 2021)

Project: The effect of hearing aids on the perception of speech in noise and reverberation in older adults with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract: 

This study investigated hearing aid (HA) effects on word and phoneme recognition for elders with different hearing losses (HL). Listeners with normal hearing (NH) and four degrees of HL (aided) completed a recognition procedure in six noise conditions and five reverberant environments. Recognition scores significantly decreased as SNR decreased and reverberation increased. NH- and mild-aided-groups had significantly higher scores than other aided groups but no significant difference between NH and mild-aided groups and among other groups. Aided recognition scores were significantly higher than those without HAs, and HL effects were diminished with HAs, confirming aided benefit in noise and reverberation.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, March 2022)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 20202)

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $800, 2018

Project: The benefit of spatial separation of speech and noise in reverberation for adults with and without an unaided hearing loss.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, March 2022): 

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $750, 2018

Project: Will over-the-counter hearing aids benefit adults with a mild to moderate hearing loss

Information obtained from this study provides valuable insights for OTC fitting, which will help both audiology professionals and patients achieve better rehabilitation outcomes.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2024)

Dr. Alyssa Rose earned her Doctorate in Audiology from Central Michigan University and grew up in the Upper Peninsula. She loves to swing dance, spend time with her energetic son Parker, and create macrame crafts in her free time.

Dr. Rose loves to help members of the mid-Michigan community discover better hearing and feels that education is key to her patients’ success. She developed our Allied Hearing rehabilitation program and continually develops educational resources for our patients to help guide their progress. Dr. Rose is known for being the first one to offer aid to someone in need and has a fantastic smile.

Project: Speech Intelligibility Gain in Reverberation for Adult Binaural Hearing Aid Users.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, March 2022)

Funded: 

Graduate Student Research & Creative Endeavors Grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, $800, 2018

Dr. Bruner earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, followed by her Doctor of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. She completed her 2nd year summer rotation in the Philippines and her clinical fellowship at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Dr. Bruner provides patient-centered care at St. Joseph's Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy Clinic.

Project: Otoscan: Making a good impression

Clinical Supervisor, Carls Center for Clinical Care and Education, Central Michigan University

Dr. Jacob Swanson is currently a Clinical Supervisor at the Central Michigan University Carls Center. His work focuses on clinical hearing evaluation of adults and children, including electrophysiology and auditory processing disorders, as well as adult and pediatric amplification. Outside of work, Dr. Swanson enjoys hiking, board games, playing and singing in various musical groups, and community theater. He lives in Alma, MI.

Project: Sound localization of listeners with normal hearing, impaired hearing, hearing aids, and cochlear implants: A review.

This paper discussed human sound localization ability and the ability of hearing technology users to localize sound

Presented:

Paper published in the American Journal of Audiology, 2022

Contact Dr. Swanson:

swans3jm@cmich.edu 

Project: The effect of varying signal-to-noise ratios and reverberation times has on listeners speech perception with a mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss.

Presented:

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2020)

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2020

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $500, 2018

Dr. Ashley Bookmyer was born and raised in Bay City, Michigan. After completing her residency at Mercy Clinic Ear, Nose, & Throat and Audiology in Springfield, Missouri, she moved to West Michigan. She currently works as an audiologist at Michigan Hearing Experts. 

Project: The effects of conductive components in the audiogram on hearing aid fitting.

Presented:

Poster presentation at an international conference (MEMRO, July 2018)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2019)

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2020)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2019)

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $600, 2018

Dr. Samantha Rossmann, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA, AIB, works at Associated Hearing Care, where she has extensive experience treating patients with BPPV, providing comprehensive vestibular assessments, counseling patients over their vestibular assessment results to create a treatment plan, helping those with hearing loss, and selecting hearing protection devices specific to each person’s needs. She takes pleasure in assisting people in their journey to improve their quality of life by getting people back into enjoying the activities they love. 

Project: QuickSin and COSI as measurements of hearing aid performance in noise.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2019)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2019)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2019)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $500, 2018

Graduate Student Research & Creative Endeavors Grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, $800, Fall 2018 

Nicole Schmidt, Au.D. completed her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology from the University of Akron and obtained her Doctorate of Audiology from Central Michigan University. Her interests include vestibular diagnostics, tinnitus management, and adult amplification. Dr. Schmidt focuses on thoroughly evaluating each patient to determine the source of the problem, providing each patient with the best possible outcome. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is currently practicing in California at SH Medical. 

Project: Tinnitus therapy: Who they work for and why.

Awarded: 

Student Research Award, the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Central Michigan University, $600, 2018

Note: this award was for a different project for which Nicole completed an IRB application but could not complete the project due to fourth-year externship commitments

Dr. Madilyn Guith specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders for people of all ages, from newborns to the geriatric population. She especially enjoys diagnostic work with newborns! She also greatly enjoys custom-tailoring hearing solutions for her adult patients and seeing the improvement in their quality of life and communication. Dr. Guith is located in St. Louis Park at HealthPartners. 

Project: Effects of spatial separation of speech and noise on speech perception in reverberation for bimodal cochlear implant users.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, March 2019)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (April 2019)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2019)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $500, Spring 2017

Graduate Student Research & Creative Endeavors Grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, $800, Spring 2017

Dr. Claire Hug works at Carolina Health and Hearing as an audiologist. 

Project: Age effect on speech intelligibility gain in reverberation in normal hearing listeners.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (ASHA, November 2017)

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2018)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $500, Spring 2017 

Dr. Gerard works as an audiologist at Hearing Wellness Center. She received her Doctorate in Audiology from Central Michigan University and came to Hearing Wellness Center after serving our veterans as an Audiologist for the US Office of Veteran's Affairs. She stays current with new discoveries and methods to treat hearing loss and is a mentor for Grand Valley University's audiology program.

Project: Fit hearing aids or cochlear implant(s)

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (ASHA, November 2017, Los Angeles)

Dr. Hannah Borton, Au.D., CCC-A, is a clinical audiologist with UofL Physicians. She received her bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science from The Ohio State University and a Doctorate of Audiology from Central Michigan University. Her clinical interest areas include adult diagnostic hearing services, cochlear implant care, and audiologic rehabilitation. Dr. Borton completed advanced clinical training through the Thomas Balkany Institute of Cochlear Implant Training, gaining expertise in evaluation, programming, and long-term patient care. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed in audiology in Kentucky. Dr. Borton co-instructs the Cochlear Implant and Implantable Devices graduate course at the University of Louisville.

Project: The combined effects of reverberation and spatially-separated noise and speech on speech intelligibility gain for bilateral cochlear implant users.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2018)

Poster presentation at a national conference (ASHA, November 2018)

Poster presentation at CHP Research Symposium (March 2018)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2018)

Funded: 

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Student Research and Creative Work Grant, Central Michigan University, $500, 2018

Graduate Student Research & Creative Endeavors Grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, $700, Fall 2017

Dr. Shana Laffoon received her Doctor of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Dr. Laffoon is currently at Doss Audiology & Hearing Center with extensive experience in diagnostic audiologic testing and hearing aid fitting. 

Project: Extended high frequency pure tone audiometry in youth firearm users: Effects of firearm use on extended high frequency hearing.

Presented:

Podium presentation at a national conference (NHCA, February 2018)

Poster presentation at a national conference (AAA, April 2018)

Poster presentation at the student research & creative endeavors exhibition (SRCEE) at Central Michigan University (April 2018)

Funded: 

Graduate Student Research & Creative Endeavors Grant, Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, $800, Spring 2017

Awarded: 

Student Research Presentation Award, NHCA conference, $2500, 2018

Dr. Greene completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Central Michigan University.  After completing her doctorate, she made Grand Rapids her home, where she quickly laid down roots. Dr. Greene is an audiologist in Holland, MI at Hearing Resources. Her focus is on hearing technology, aural rehabilitation, preventative care, and advocacy.

Project: Cochlear synaptopathy: A review of hidden hearing loss.

Presented:

Poster presentation at a national conference (ASHA, November 2017)