Tatsuo Nakagawa Lab.

[ Philosophy underlying activities ]

My major research interest is human audition. My focus is on hearing impairment and hearing hypersensitivity, especially in children. In my current work setting I distribute my time between research, teaching and clinical work.

I have undertaken research studies on evaluation of auditory and speech perception abilities of individuals with hearing loss who use hearing aids. The results of speech perception by the hearing impaired were analyzed by means of articulation-index (AI). A hearing aid database has been developed for more than 10 years. Using the system you can access almost all hearing aids distributed in Japan. The new features of digital hearing aids, such as noise suppression and microphone directionality were evaluated quantitatively in a text box by developing a speech audibility in noise index.

Research has shown that any children with developmental and intellectual disabilities have hyperacusis. My current research interests include focusing and better understanding the mechanism of hyperacusis and potential treatments. A recent project focused on undertaking a survey of children enrolled in two schools who receive special education support to determine the frequency with which they experience hyperacusis. Clinically, my work focuses on the assessment and treatment of children with hearing loss and other disabilities. One of my goals is to ensure that children with hearing loss are provided with appropriate support to succeed in a hearing world. Each year I contribute and participate in the summer forum for amplification and auditory learning.

Although a significant amount of my time and research interests are focused on children living with hearing impairment, I also aim to understand the Deaf community and actively interact and support this community.

[ Profile ]

1978 Yokohama National University, Department of Education, Psychology Major
1983 University of Tsukuba, Doctor Degree Program of Special Education
1983 National Institute of Special Education, Department of Speech and Hearing Disorders, Research Staff
1990-91, New York City University Graduate Center, Visiting Scholar
1991 National Institute of Special Education, Department of Speech and Hearing Disorders, Senior Research Staff
1997 Yokohama National University (YNU) Department of Education Associate Professor
2006 YNU Department of Education and Human Sciences, Professor
2007-11, YNU Department of Education and Human Sciences, Principal of the Attached school
2018 retire, Professor Emeritus

[ Lectures in YNU and other facilities ]

Education and psychology for children with hearing disabilities
Assessments of children with special educational needs
Hearing tests for children
Hearing Aid Fitting
Psychoacoustics