Uzma Akhtar

Dr. Uzma Akhtar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences at Rush University's College of Health Sciences. Her work focuses on auditory physiology, hearing loss prevention, and the interplay between dietary patterns and cognitive health. She leads a laboratory conducting advanced research in otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and audiological diagnostics, with particular emphasis on pediatric populations and global health initiatives.

Her research integrates clinical audiology with biomedical engineering techniques, including signal processing of auditory measurements (e.g., SFOAEs, DPOAEs). Recent studies explore dietary factors influencing hearing loss risk and their potential role in dementia prevention. Dr. Akhtar also investigates cochlear mechanics using innovative methodologies like wavelet transforms for component separation in OAE analysis.

Notable contributions include humanitarian efforts in the Dominican Republic to improve hearing aid outcomes and pioneering work on the relationship between medial olivocochlear efferent activity and hyperacusis in children with autism spectrum disorder. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science, clinical practice, and public health interventions.

Dr. Akhtar holds a PhD and AuD from Rush University and maintains active collaborations with international researchers. Her lab focuses on translating physiological measurements into clinical tools for early hearing detection and precision audiological care.