Suicide claims more than 49,000 lives in the U.S. annually and more than 700,000 globally, according to the National Institutes of Health. Despite these numbers, minimal research had been published on the characteristics of the U.S. K-12 educators who died by suicide between 2001 and 2025.Ìę

Researchers from 91Âț»­app addressed that.

The study examined the suicides of 1,548 primary and secondary school educators, who died between 2018 and 2021. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s , the researchers accounted for sex, age, race, marital status, injury time, injury date and weapon type in each case.

Results showed that white males, those over the age of 60 and those who had never been married showed up most often in the dataset. Findings also indicated suicides were much more likely to occur during school hours. Injury dates most commonly occurred on Mondays.

Identifying specific patterns in a large study can potentially change how educational systems view the occupation in relation to mental health, according to lead author Ed Mondor, Ph.D.,associate professor of biology in 91Âț»­app’s College of Science and Mathematics.

“The research highlights that anticipatory stress, often dismissed as simply ‘part of the job,’ may have serious consequences,” he explained. “At the institutional level, it emphasizes the importance of proactive mental health resources and workload policies that acknowledge the emotional demands of teaching.”

The research is also notable for the various perspectives from the University’s College of Science and Mathematics (COSM), College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS), Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP), and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH), spanning multiple disciplines, including forensic science, public health and public policy.

In total, eight faculty members contributed to the publication of “,” in the October 2025 edition of .

Georgia Southern’s Institute for Health Logistics and Analytics (IHLA) made the partnership possible through their ‘One Health’ approach. Mondor brought an expertise in forensic science, while Leanne Confer, Ph.D. and Ryan Lofaro, Ph.D. from CBSS lent a public policy perspective. Beth McGee, Ph.D., and Spencer Riner, also from CBSS informed the publication from a health and public safety standpoint, respectively. Jacquelyn Mesenbrink-Sainz, DrPH from WCHP and Katie Mercer, DrPH, from JPHCOPH added a public health lens.

“We bring together faculty, staff and students from across disciplines to advance community health through Interdisciplinary Research Teams,” said Jessica Schwind, Ph.D., co-author of the paper and director of IHLA.

The group views this publication as a first step. They are already beginning work on another publication. “This paper led to another manuscript that is currently under review,” said Confer. 

“This time we’re taking a closer look at the people who were noted as having a ‘job-related problem’ prior to their suicide,” she explained. “We want to further explore how the occupation may contribute to these events.”

The Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing (AEPCEC) at 91Âț»­app hosted its annual Student Research Symposium showcasing the next generation of technological and engineering advancements.Ìę

The 2026 symposium featured academic talent and innovative research, highlighting presentations from over 300 undergraduate and graduate students. More than 130 interactive technical posters were presented spanning research topics in cutting-edge computing, advanced infrastructure, robotics, smart energy, artificial intelligence and engineering innovation.  

The event drew participation from approximately 40 industry partner companies who actively engaged with the presented research, underscoring the symposium’s growing role as a bridge between student research, workforce development and industry needs. 

“This event is an essential launchpad for our students to step out of the classroom and showcase their innovative work with real-world applications,” said Reinhold Gerbsch, DSc, director of industrial relations for the college. “Presenting research across fields like robotics, civil engineering and artificial intelligence teaches students how to articulate complex concepts with clarity to industry professionals.” 

The symposium also featured an on-site career fair, giving students the opportunity to connect with major industry employers, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Thomas & Hutton and more. 

“Having companies on-site creates a dynamic professional network where industry leaders are not simply judging the students’ work, they are there to mentor, advise and hire,” Gerbsch explained. “Their involvement ensures our students understand what the engineering and computing sectors are looking for in new hires and how their research connects to emerging industry needs.”  

Team and individual awards were presented to undergraduate and graduate students. These included:

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

AEPCEC Top Eagle Award 

Olaudo Victor-Ofoegbu, Jalen Mordica, Iniuobong Unah

Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award

Elizabeth McGlone, Sebastian Oviedo, Ariana Story, Anish Goyal

Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award 

Nicholas Hubbard

Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award 

Michael Woodcock

Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award

Tamera Gilmore, Jack Jones, Perrin Freeman, Bryan Bosely

Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award

Caleb Lewis, Jack Giles, Elsie Lappin

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award

Milton Tomas Santizo

Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award  

Rosemarie Gante, Ariful Islam Shuvo, Peya Sharif, Yocelin Ramos-Perez, Natalia Alanis, Isabella Funes

AEPCEC- Computing Award 

Alejandro GirĂłn, Thi Tran, Nicholas-Paul Webster, Casey Morgan 

GRADUATE AWARDS

AEPCEC Top Eagle Award 

John Havenar

Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award

Emmanuella Ogun,Yong Ann Voeurn

Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award 

Mary Dufie Afrane

Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award 

Temitope Elijah

Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award

Jonas Chen

Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award

Chowdhury Irtiza

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award

Melinawo Vowotor

Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award  

Md. Moshiur Rahman Tushar

AEPCEC- Computing Award 

Deborah Osahor

Industry and community partners interested in engaging with Georgia Southern engineering and computing students are invited to participate in future Student Research Symposium events through judging, sponsorship, career fair participation, technical mentorship and research collaboration opportunities.

For more information about participating in the Student Research Symposium and to view all of the 2026 award finalists, please visit: /colleges/engineering-computing/research/undergraduate-research/symposium. 

As college football players push through the intense demands of preseason training, new research from 91Âț»­app suggests that the body’s response to those workloads may vary depending on an athlete’s position on the field.

A published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance examined how physical workload during preseason camp relates to heart-rate variability (HRV) in NCAA Division I football players. The research was led by Andrew Flatt, Ph.D., associate professor in Georgia Southern’s Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology in the Waters College of Health Professions, along with collaborators from the University of Alabama, John Allen, M.Ed., Clay Keith and Michael Esco, Ph.D.

HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats and is commonly used by sports scientists to understand how the body responds to physical stress. When HRV remains relatively stable from day to day, it signals that an athlete is adapting well to increased training loads.

To explore how different athletes respond during the demanding preseason period, researchers followed 27 players from a Division I national championship-winning program. They monitored both training workload and HRV to determine how the two were related across different position groups.

The study found that players responded differently depending on their role on the field.

Skill position athletes, including wide receivers and defensive backs, tended to show more stable heart-rate patterns as their workloads increased. These players are typically smaller and more aerobically conditioned, which may help them better tolerate the intense running demands and heat of preseason camp.

In contrast, hybrid positions requiring highly versatile skills, such as linebackers, running backs and tight ends, who experienced the highest workloads, showed greater day-to-day fluctuations in HRV. Because these athletes are often larger and may have lower aerobic fitness levels, the researchers suggest they could experience greater cardiovascular strain and dehydration during intense training in hot conditions.

The findings point to players in hybrid positions benefitting from more moderate total workloads to reduce excessive fatigue and improve preseason camp recovery rates.

The research team also examined whether injuries influenced HRV responses. Players were categorized as either “full go,” meaning they could participate without limitations, or “go as can,” meaning they were practicing while managing minor injuries.

While these minor injuries did not appear to significantly reduce on-field workload, they did affect physiological recovery. Players in the “go as can” group showed moderately lower HRV levels than their fully healthy teammates, suggesting that even minor injuries can place additional stress on the body.

For coaches and sports performance staff, the study highlights the importance of monitoring how athletes respond to training loads. Rather than considering HRV scores alone, researchers suggest monitoring daily changes, which may provide a better indicator of fatigue or recovery challenges.

The findings also reinforce the value of customized training strategies. By tracking how athletes’ cardiovascular systems respond to fitness routines, teams can better personalize recovery and training plans to keep players at their best throughout the season. 

91Âț»­app researchers in the Waters College of Health Professions are helping reshape law enforcement officer training by making the process safer, more effective and better aligned with the demands of the industry.

A published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM) highlights how an evidence-based physical training program significantly reduced injuries among police academy cadets while improving overall fitness and readiness.

The research was led by Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Professor Bridget Melton, Ed.D., alongside a multidisciplinary team of faculty, students and collaborators. The project was conducted in partnership with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, spanning 10 training centers across the Southeast and involving cadets in four 12-week training cycles over the course of a year.

“This project grew directly out of a real operational need,” said Melton. “Leadership at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center wanted to reduce injuries during academy training and reached out to our team to help build a safer, more effective physical training model.”

In law enforcement, injuries during training can delay graduation, increase costs and contribute to staffing shortages. With agencies already facing workforce challenges, reducing preventable injuries has become a priority.

The study found that cadets who participated in the structured training program experienced fewer overall and serious injuries compared to traditional methods. At the same time, participants demonstrated improvements in strength, agility and endurance, which are key components of job performance.

Most notably, the findings challenge a long-standing assumption in tactical training environments: that more intense, punitive workouts improve results.

“Our findings show that injury reduction does not require a harsher training approach,” Melton explained. “Instead, progressive programming, proper recovery and well-trained instructors can improve performance while keeping cadets safer.”

The research implemented new, standardized and evidence-based training methods including structured warm-ups, mobility work and gradual progression. Instructors were equipped with the “train-the-trainer” model to ensure consistency and effectiveness. 

Beyond immediate results, the research also suggests potential long-term benefits. Many cadets reported they were likely to continue exercising after graduation, suggesting that the program may help establish healthier relationships with fitness habits.

This critical research has already begun to influence law enforcement training methods. In Georgia, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council has adopted a new policy requiring 60 hours of physical training in police academies and recommends the Georgia Southern-developed guidelines. Additionally, the benefits of the study have also extended beyond state lines as agencies in other states, including Arizona, Texas and New York, have also expressed interest in implementing similar approaches.

In future studies, researchers plan to examine whether these improvements are sustained as officers transition into active duty. Additional studies will also explore inclusive and personalized training programs for female law enforcement officers. 

91Âț»­app has been named a member of the (GRA), joining a group of leading research universities including the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University. 

“This is an ideal moment for Georgia Southern to join GRA,” said 91Âț»­app President Kyle Marrero. “Our institutional momentum aligns closely with GRA’s mission to expand Georgia’s research capacity and economic competitiveness. As we continue our trajectory toward becoming a nationally recognized public impact research university, we are committed to advancing innovation, developing talent and addressing the critical needs of Southeast Georgia through research that strengthens communities, drives economic development and improves quality of life across the region.”

The GRA is a nonprofit, public-private partnership affiliated with the and Georgia’s . Founded in 1990, the organization aims to drive research impact and entrepreneurship across the state. 

“GRA is a proven catalyst for growing university research and entrepreneurship in our state, and our two newest members are certainly going to help accelerate that growth,” said GRA President and CEO Tim Denning. “Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State will make GRA an even stronger catalyst and will help strengthen the innovation ecosystem in new regions of our state. We are grateful for the support of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly for this expansion in the FY27 budget.” 

The addition of Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State University to GRA brings the Alliance’s membership to 10 public and private research universities.

In fiscal year 2025, the alliance secured more than $1 billion in external public-private funding for research. That funding helped create more than 3,000 new jobs in laboratories and start-ups, .

Georgia Southern’s admission is a milestone for its growing research enterprise. In recent years, multiple faculty members have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships, and one was named a fellow in the National Academy of Inventors.

Georgia Southern has experienced record growth and momentum in recent years, with projected FY 2026 annual research expenditures surpassing $56 million. This trajectory puts the University on track to achieve Carnegie R1 classification in the upcoming review cycle. Carnegie R1 is the nation’s highest designation for doctoral research universities.

Georgia Southern has developed research strengths in fields like environmental science, early childhood education and advanced manufacturing and logistics. These strengths have directly benefited Georgia and the region, while showing potential to do the same on a national scale and global scale. The GRA can provide resources to help the University continue its current efforts and fulfill that potential.

Membership privileges include the ability to recruit researchers from the GRA’s . In a show of support, the Georgia General Assembly has appropriated the funds for Georgia Southern’s inaugural Eminent Scholar, the top level of talent within the Academy. 

As members of GRA, Georgia Southern also qualifies to join the GRA Core Exchange, a nationally unique program that allows researchers from any member university to access research equipment and facilities at fellow member institutions without paying external administrative fees.

David C. Weindorf, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development, says the combination of these factors makes it an ideal time for Georgia Southern to join.

“We are excited to bring our distinct perspective to the GRA,” Weindorf said. “I’m grateful for their support of our vision, and I can’t wait to deepen our partnership with fellow members, as we continue to pursue research that will improve our communities and our world.”

About GRA

The Georgia Research Alliance drives greater impact out of university research and entrepreneurship to benefit Georgia and the world. GRA recruits star research talent to Georgia’s universities; provides sophisticated tools and core facilities to help researchers win more competitive grants; and seeds and shapes startup companies around university inventions. The Alliance’s cumulative 36-year ROI is over $16 billion (a 22-to-1 return on Georgia’s investment). GRA’s ten partner universities are: Augusta University, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, 91Âț»­app,

Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Morehouse School of Medicine and The University of Georgia.

About 91Âț»­app
91Âț»­app, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .

Romanian lecturer Mihaela Udristioiu, Ph.D. has returned to 91Âț»­app for her second time as a Fulbright research scholar fellow.

“I was always a curious child,” said Udristioiu. “I love questions. The answers we find help us better understand the beauty of nature and the laws that govern our universe.”

That curiosity is what encouraged the Romanian lecturer to apply for the Fulbright research scholar program to work on physics education and environmental science with 91Âț»­app associate professor of physics Dragos Amarie, Ph.D. 

The two first met during a study abroad program in Romania in 2017, during the Science and Culture Study Abroad program. Amarie said the teaching style of Romanian universities was different from what he was used to.  

Udristioiu was especially interested in learning how university faculty in the U.S. engage with their students and create active learning environments.

“How students understand physics is very important to me,” Udristioiu said. “My American colleagues have shown me how much better teaching is when it is interactive and involves students.”

Things are a little different in Romanian universities, she says.  

“Romanian universities teach differently than how we do in the States,” Amarie said. “The lectures are formal, and you’re doomed if you miss a single one.”

“I prefer a more student-centered approach, especially when it comes to teaching difficult science courses,” he explained. “Classes should be interactive. Students should be encouraged to ask their professors questions. Having them engage and question what we teach, that’s how a student learns.”

Udristioiu, impressed by his teaching style, hoped to join Amarie in the States in 2020. COVID-19 had other plans. The study abroad program stopped, but their collaboration continued. Then, in 2022, she was awarded a Fulbright research scholar grant, joining Amarie in the classroom at Georgia Southern. 

“She did such a great job while she was here,” said Amarie. “The Fulbright Romania encouraged Dr. Udristioiu to submit a new application to strengthen the collaboration.” 

That’s why she applied for the Fulbright grant again. She’s back in the states now, working on a research project focused on air pollution monitoring, modelling, making predictions and forecasting. 

“Science crosses borders, and collaboration helps us open new doors to knowledge,” she said.

What can a handheld grip test reveal about military readiness? According to 91Âț»­app researchers, it turns out quite a lot.Ìę

It’s one of several tools 91Âț»­app’s Tactical Athlete Initiative (TAI) is using in partnership with the University’s Army ROTC program to improve how cadets train.

Under the direction of Professor of Exercise Science Bridget Melton, Ed.D., and Associate Professor and Director of Tactical Performance Joseph Kardouni, Ph.D., DPT, and supported in part by a Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) grant, the initiative brings in researchers to enhance military training through fitness assessments. 

Cadets complete a series of physical tests – such as rowing and jumping – while wearing top-of-the-line monitoring equipment. Data is collected during these assessments and then analyzed by TAI researchers to provide individualized training enhancements for cadets.

Graduate coaching education student Spencer Boling is leading this effort as the first graduate assistant assigned to the TAI.

“It has been nothing short of special,” Boling said. “Being the first in this role means I am actively building this from the ground up, and there is a real responsibility that comes with that.”

Student Jacob Mullins supports the collaboration by helping calibrate the VO2 Master testing system – a mask that measures oxygen intake in real time and gives highly accurate data on aerobic capacity.

“It is fun to be a part of a team doing something meaningful like gathering data,” Mullins said. “It gave me a better understanding of performance testing and the importance of teamwork and preparation.”

One of the initiative’s biggest highlights was placing ninth at the Ranger Challenge, a regional military skills competition, a result of the work put in at the lab. 

“A top-10 finish is a genuine achievement and a direct reflection of the cadets’ commitment to physical preparation,” Boling said. “Watching a cadet hit a personal record in the weight room, seeing them pass their Army Fitness Test with flying colors, or simply noticing them develop healthier daily habits are all moments that remind me exactly why this work matters.”

For Boling, the initiative has been transformative both in and out of the lab. 

“This collaboration has changed the trajectory of my career,” Boling added. “I always thought I wanted to work in traditional sports, but after seeing the impact of training the tactical population, people who rely on fitness for life and service, I know this is where I belong.”

Collaborative research by College of Education associate professor Richard Cleveland, Ph.D., has allowed him to form close partnerships with others in the field, making his study of solitude anything but isolated. Thanks to the bonds he has formed with researchers around the world, the International Society for Research on Solitude (ISRS) will host its annual conference in the U.S. for the first time.

“I’m very thankful for being able to make these friendships and connections with international scholars,” said Cleveland. “It was through those connections and the College of Education being willing to host international faculty that we caught the eye of the ISRS.”

The “Alone Together” symposium, which will be held April 23 to 25 at the Armstrong Campus, dives into both the challenging and liberating aspects of what it means to be alone. Researchers will discuss findings on how people in professions, ranging from law enforcement to religious leadership, can feel disconnected, even while surrounded by the noise of modern life. They will also explore the benefits of having time to reflect inward as an important part of knowing ourselves and our values. 

“There is something restorative about being alone,” said Cleveland. “We do need time for solitude where we are not influenced by the world, not influenced by others, and have time to deeply reflect and recharge.”

The hallmark style of the program is to include small group conversations beyond the presentations for larger groups of conference attendees. . Cleveland says those intimate conversations draw out deep understanding and personal relationships with attendees.

“Being vulnerable with each other and having conversations, particularly on an international level, really allows you to learn more about each other’s specialties,” said Cleveland. “It opens up opportunities that you cannot get in a larger conference environment.”

Cleveland’s own research spans a broad spectrum of topics in solitude. He has examined the social difficulties children face in school and how law enforcement officers feel about being alone. His research in law enforcement drew the attention of ISRS scholar Anna Szafranek, Ph.D., from the University of Bialystok in Poland. Cleveland hosted a visit by Szafranek to the US so they could work together in person. In turn, Cleveland visited Poland and spent a month teaching and conducting workshops to share his own expertise. That kind of exchange is exactly what Cleveland loves about working with the ISRS.

“Recognizing someone’s specialty and what they can share with you is where discovery happens,” said Cleveland. “If I can work with someone who gets excited about the research together, that’s truly rewarding.”

Conference registration is available online at

As wearable technology reshapes how people track their health, a new study from 91Âț»­app takes a closer look at just how accurate these devices really are.
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Published in Sensors, an open-access scientific journal, , a popular consumer wearable wristband designed for long-term health tracking, by comparing its measurements of resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) to electrocardiography (ECG).Ìę

The study was conducted as part of a capstone thesis project by former Waters College of Health Professions sports medicine graduate student Allison Wade. Data collection was completed under the supervision of associate professor Andrew Flatt, Ph.D. In addition, Bryan L. Riemann, Ph.D., served as a committee member and contributed to data analysis and manuscript review, while Ann Claire E. Blalock, a research assistant in the Biodynamics and Human Performance Center on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus, supported all aspects of the study.
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According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, about a third of U.S. adults currently use smartwatches or fitness trackers. These devices rely on photoplethysmography (PPG), which are optical sensors that estimate heart activity through skin. Although these devices can make heart rate and HRV tracking more accessible, independent studies on their accuracy have lagged behind their growing popularity and have produced varied results. Since these devices hit the market, consumers have also frequently expressed concerns over factors such as skin pigmentation influencing accuracy.
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This study specifically examined the Kairos wristband’s on-demand “Spot Check” feature, comparing its readings to simultaneous ECG measurements in a group of 40 healthy, racially diverse young adults. Measurements were taken while participants were both sitting and lying down, which allowed researchers to test consistency across postures.
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The results showed that the Biostrap Kairos wristband performed extremely well for measuring resting heart rate, demonstrating high accuracy regardless of body position. Accuracy for HRV, however, depended on the specific metric being measured. The wristband showed stronger agreement with ECG for time-specific metrics often associated with overall variability and parasympathetic (rest-and-recovery) activity. Still, the researchers identified an important limitation: the device tended to underestimate HRV values when HRV was higher.
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“One of the most important takeaways from this study is that convenience does not always equal accuracy,” said Flatt. “Our analyses revealed consistent underestimation at higher HRV values, which raises concerns for researchers, clinicians and coaches who may rely on these devices for monitoring or decision-making.”
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More complex frequency-specific metrics showed poor agreement with ECG.
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However, researchers found that device error was not systematically related to skin pigmentation. The wristband performed similarly across participants with varying levels of melanin, addressing a serious concern about optical sensor bias in wearables.
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Beyond evaluating a single device, the study highlights a broader issue in wearable technology research. The researchers identified a pattern, known as proportional bias, where wrist-worn devices become less accurate as HRV increases. Many previous validation studies did not test for this type of bias, leading to overly optimistic conclusions about device accuracy.
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The findings offer important guidance for multiple audiences. Consumers should approach HRV data from wrist-worn devices with caution, especially if using it to guide health or training decisions. For researchers, clinicians and coaches, the study suggests that wristbands and smartwatches are not yet appropriate tools for HRV-based monitoring or research.
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Instead, Georgia Southern’s researchers recommend portable chest-strap heart rate monitors, which continue to demonstrate stronger agreement with ECG.

As wearable technology continues to develop, this study highlights the importance of independent validation and reminds users thatÌę

convenience does not always equal clinical precision.ÌęÌę

The full article is available in Sensors:
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A new study found that the brain’s ability to process sound starts to slow as early as middle age.

The research, led by Vishakha Rawool, Ph.D., CCC-A, associate dean for research in 91Âț»­app’s Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP) and professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, offers insight into a common frustration for many adults: being able to hear sounds clearly but struggling to follow fast conversations, especially in noisy environments.

To understand what happens inside the brain’s hearing pathways, researchers compared two age groups: young adults between ages 18 to 27 and middle-aged adults between 45 to 59.

The team measured how quickly the brain and the ear work together using a middle-ear reflex that automatically contracts when it hears loud sounds. By tracking how this reflex responded to a rapid series of clicks, they determined how efficiently the brain’s auditory system processed sound.
“We wanted to catch the very first signs of change,” Rawool said. “By the time someone has significant hearing loss, they may already be dealing with social isolation, anxiety or difficulty at work.”
The results showed that the middle-aged group’s brain response was slower than that of the younger adults. This difference suggests that the brain’s “hearing speed,” or how rapidly it can process fast sounds, naturally begins to decline when a person reaches middle age.

“Using an objective measure that is not affected by cognitive decline, the results show that the central auditory system starts to slow down by midlife,” stated Rawool. “This slowing may require greater listening/cognitive effort, perhaps unconsciously, while listening to fast speech, reverberant speech and speech in noisy surroundings.”

The study also affirmed that this slowdown was not related to the ability to hear sounds, but instead it was linked to changes in how the brain itself processes sound. According to Rawool, loss in hearing speed can leave people feeling as though they are trying to read a sentence with missing letters.
“We need to stop thinking of hearing health as something that only matters when you’re 70,” Rawool said. “We should be checking in on ‘hearing speed’ in our 40s and 50s.”
Rawool and her team hope that publishing this research will lead to training programs or therapies that strengthen the brain’s auditory processing in adults ages 45 to 59, potentially helping to reduce listening fatigue and communication difficulties later in life.

The research also suggests the need for creating the best listening environments, such as quiet spaces with low reverberation, for all listeners to reduce fatigue.
“If you feel exhausted after a long day of listening, it’s not just in your head,” she said. “Your brain may simply be working harder—and that’s something we can begin to address.”
The study was partially supported by West Virginia University’s Grace Clements Communication Sciences & Disorders Research Endowment Award.

The full article is available in the International Journal of Audiology: