2026-2027 Faculty Research Grants

Amanda Moore (Biology). 

Evaluating Hearing Health in Domestic Mammals Through Auditory Brainstem Response Testing.

The overarching goal of this research is to advance our understanding of mammalian hearing by using Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing to establish auditory thresholds in domestic species. Despite the importance of hearing in communication and welfare, many domestic mammals remain understudied, and normative auditory data are lacking. Establishing baseline measures is essential for monitoring auditory health, detecting early impairment, and improving both veterinary practice and animal welfare. The primary aim of this study is to extend auditory testing to farm animals housed at the Andrews University Agricultural and Education Center. Using ABR, an objective and well-established electrophysiological method, we will evaluate auditory ranges while accounting for variables such as age, health, environment, and prior noise exposure. Environmental noise will be quantified and incorporated into analyses to improve accuracy and ecological relevance. By increasing sample sizes and expanding to multiple species, this project will generate a comprehensive dataset on domestic mammal auditory sensitivity. Results will inform preventive veterinary care by enabling earlier detection of hearing loss, provide a foundation for studying noise-induced hearing impairment, and improve welfare in domestic animals. Broader impacts include training pre-med, pre-veterinary, and biology students in a clinical methodology relevant to both human and animal health and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across biology, animal sciences, and audiology fields.