Dr. Mary Ann Cheatham

Biography

Mary Ann Cheatham is a Research Professor and Fellow at the Hugh Knowles Center, located within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on the mechanisms of hearing loss, utilizing both invasive and non-invasive techniques to measure cochlear function. This includes investigating auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions in both animal models and human subjects. By defining the anatomical and physiological changes associated with hearing loss, Cheatham aims to provide insights into genetic mutations and diseases that lead to auditory impairment. Her work, which often involves transgenic animal models, explores the functional significance of the outer hair cell motor protein, prestin, contributing to our understanding of frequency selectivity and sensitivity in mammalian hearing. Collaborating with other researchers at the Feinberg School of Medicine facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue about enhancing our grasp of hearing loss mechanisms and its potential amelioration through clinical practice.

Research Interests

Experience