Dr. Seba Ausili | Auditory Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award
Senior Scientist, University of Miami, United States
Dr. Sebastián Andrés Ausili is a distinguished auditory neuroscientist from Río Colorado, Argentina. With a Ph.D. in Auditory Neuroscience from Radboud University, his research focuses on cochlear implants, spatial hearing, and auditory processing. Currently a Research Scientist at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Ausili has contributed significantly to understanding the electrode–tissue interface and developing psychometric tools for Spanish-speaking populations. His work bridges clinical practice and research, aiming to improve hearing outcomes for individuals with auditory impairments.
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
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Diploma de Especialización en Audiología (2022–2023): Universidad de Salamanca, Spain.
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Ph.D. in Auditory Neuroscience (2015–2019): Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Netherlands.
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Ingeniero de Sonido (2007–2014): Tres de Febrero National University, Argentina.
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Técnico de Sonido y Grabación (2007–2011): Tres de Febrero National University, Argentina.Loop
💼 Professional Experience
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Research Scientist (2019–Present): University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology.
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Product Area Manager / Clinical & Technical Support (2011–2014): MEDEL Latin America.
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Sound Reinforcement and Technical Service (2008–2009): JB Sonido.
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Sound Reinforcement and Video Recording (2007): Clarín Group.
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Sound Reinforcement (2006–2007): Conde Live Sound.
🏅 Awards and Honors
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Erasmus+ Mobility Allowance for Training (2017): EU-funded award supporting advanced international training in computational auditory modeling.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Ausili’s research centers on auditory neuroscience, with a particular emphasis on cochlear implants, spatial hearing, and auditory processing. He investigates the electrode–tissue interface dynamics post-implantation and develops psychometric tools tailored for Spanish-speaking populations. His work aims to enhance the understanding of auditory mechanisms and improve clinical outcomes for individuals with hearing impairments.
📚Publication Top Notes
1. Sound Localization with Hearables in Transparency Mode
📅 2025-04-25 | Audiology Research
📌 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres15030048
👥 Authors: Sebastián A. Ausili, Nathan Erthal, Christopher Bennett, Hillary A. Snapp
Summary:
This study explores how hearable devices (like earbuds) in transparency mode affect sound localization abilities. The researchers conducted psychophysical experiments demonstrating that while transparency mode helps situational awareness, it can still degrade spatial hearing performance compared to unaided hearing. Implications for hearing aid and hearable design are discussed.
2. Development of a Set of Psychometrically Equivalent Words to Obtain the Speech Recognition Threshold in Rioplatense Spanish
📅 2024 | Federación Argentina de Sociedades de Otorrinolaringología
👥 Authors: Cristiani H, Piegari A, Alonso S, Virgallito O, Sebastián Ausili
Summary:
The team developed and validated a new word list tailored for Rioplatense Spanish to measure Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT). The study ensures psychometric balance, addressing a gap in Spanish-language audiological tools and improving accuracy in regional audiometric diagnostics.
3. A Model Framework for Simulating Spatial Hearing of Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users
📅 2023 | Acta Acustica
📌 DOI: 10.1051/aacus/2023036
👥 Authors: Hongmei Hu, Sebastián A. Ausili, Ben Williges, Jonas Klug, Rebecca C. Felsheim, Deborah Vickers, Mathias Dietz
Summary:
This article presents a computational model that simulates how bilateral cochlear implant users perceive spatial sound. It incorporates head-related transfer functions and neural processing assumptions to predict performance and assess implant strategies.
4. Contralateral Routing of Signal Disrupts Monaural Sound Localization
📅 2023-08-03 | Audiology Research
📌 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres13040051
👥 Authors: Sebastián A. Ausili, Hillary A. Snapp
Summary:
This study investigates the impact of Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) hearing aids on monaural sound localization. Results show significant disruption in the ability to localize sounds, emphasizing the need for cautious CROS use in spatially demanding environments.
5. Abordaje clínico de la estimulación facial en implantes cocleares
📅 2023-05-12 | Auditio
📌 DOI: 10.51445/sja.auditio.vol6.2022.0090
👥 Authors: Gabriel Rosanigo, Verónica Del Vecchio, Sebastián Ausili
Summary:
A clinical approach to managing facial nerve stimulation during cochlear implantation. The article reviews cases and discusses strategies to mitigate undesired facial responses, improving patient outcomes.
6. The Effects of Hearing Protection Devices on Spatial Awareness in Complex Listening Environments
📅 2023-01-12 | PLOS ONE
📌 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280240
👥 Authors: Hillary Snapp, B. Millet, N. Schaefer-Solle, S. M. Rajguru, S. A. Ausili
Summary:
Assesses how earplugs and earmuffs alter spatial hearing in noisy environments. Findings indicate that while protection is critical, spatial cues—especially localization and distance perception—are significantly impaired by most devices.
7. Biological Response Dynamics to Cochlear Implantation: Modeling and Modulating the Electrode–Tissue Interface
📅 2022-11 | Ear & Hearing
📌 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001236
👥 Authors: Sebastián A. Ausili, Matias Parreño, Florencia Fernandez, Carlos M. Boccio, Federico A. Di Lella
Summary:
This paper models the electrode-tissue interface in cochlear implants, aiming to understand the biological response post-implantation. It also proposes potential strategies for modulating tissue growth to optimize electrical stimulation efficiency.
8. Lateralization of Interaural Level Differences in Children with Bilateral Cochlear Implants
📅 2022-05-04 | Cochlear Implants International
📌 DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2021.2010000
👥 Authors: M. Sparreboom, S. A. Ausili, E. A. M. Mylanus
Summary:
Analyzes how children with bilateral cochlear implants perceive interaural level differences (ILDs), which are crucial for spatial hearing. Results show that age of implantation and auditory training influence lateralization abilities.
9. Bimodal Fitting and Bilateral Cochlear Implants in Children With Significant Residual Hearing
📅 2021-10-04 | Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
📌 DOI: 10.1044/2021_JSLHR-20-00720
👥 Authors: Marloes Sparreboom, Sebastián Ausili, Martijn J. H. Agterberg, Emmanuel A. M. Mylanus
Summary:
Explores the effectiveness of bimodal versus bilateral cochlear implantation in children with residual hearing. It emphasizes the impact of auditory asymmetry on spatial release from masking and localization skills.
10. Spatial Hearing by Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users With Temporal Fine-Structure Processing
📅 2020 | Frontiers in Neurology
📌 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00915
👥 Authors: Ausili SA, Agterberg MJH, Engel A, Voelter C, Thomas JP, Brill S, Snik AFM, Dazert S, Van Opstal AJ, Mylanus EAM
Summary:
Evaluates whether advanced signal processing preserving temporal fine structure improves spatial hearing in cochlear implant users. Data suggests a performance boost, especially in dynamic sound localization.
Conclusion:
Dr. Seba Ausili clearly demonstrates the research excellence, leadership, and societal impact that are typically recognized by Best Researcher Awards. His cross-disciplinary expertise, cutting-edge research, and international collaborations place him among the top emerging scientists in auditory neuroscience and audiology.