Björn Herrmann

Björn Herrmann is an Assistant Professor (Status Only) at the University of Toronto and a Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. His research program examines auditory aging through neurophysiological, cognitive, and real-world lenses, with a focus on improving communication in older adults with hearing challenges. He holds a Tier II Canada Research Chair and leads the Auditory Aging Lab.

Education:

• Apprenticeship in Industrial Mechanics (Germany)
• Diploma (MSc equivalent) in Communication Psychology (Germany)
• PhD in Psychology (Germany)
• Postdoctoral training: Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Germany), Purdue University (USA), Western University (Canada)

Research Focus: Dr. Herrmann investigates how aging and hearing loss impact listening engagement, neural sound processing, and speech comprehension. His work integrates magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), eye-tracking, and qualitative methods to study sensory-cognitive interactions during challenging listening conditions. Key themes include neural hyperresponsivity in aging auditory cortex, eye-movement biomarkers of listening effort, and real-world adaptations like audiobook usage in sensory impairment.

Awards & Recognition:

• Tier II Canada Research Chair in Auditory Aging

Lab & Team: The Auditory Aging Lab develops neurobehavioral tools (e.g., automated speech-recall assessments using AI) and explores interventions to reduce social disengagement. Current projects include cross-language speech perception modeling and neurodynamics of story comprehension in noise. The lab actively recruits graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, supported by government, foundation, and private grants.