Daniel Polley, PhD, is the director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at Mass Eye and Ear, one of the largest hearing research programs in the world. He currently studies the dynamic balance of brain plasticity—how the brain adapts and reorganizes in response to experience. His primary research centers on the auditory system, aiming to deepen our understanding of how we hear and how auditory processing evolves over time.
His research team is particularly interested in better understanding and developing new treatments for tinnitus, a potentially debilitating condition that can distort the perception of sounds around us and cause us to hear sounds that aren’t there (like ringing of the ears).
His research has found that tinnitus may be linked to excess central amplification of sound signals in the brain. By better understanding these mechanisms and developing targeted interventions, his lab aims to restore more natural auditory experiences and improve quality of life for patients everywhere. Their work bridges neuroscience and clinical innovation, offering hope for those navigating the challenges of hearing impairment.
Listen to his insights below.
How Does Your Hearing Work?
In the second episode of Down to a Science, Dr. Polley explores the auditory system and answers the question of how hearing works.
