Loonan Chauvette
PhD Candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences
Université Laval, Québec, Canada
I am a doctoral researcher at the École de réadaptation at Université Laval, working under the supervision of Professor Andréanne Sharp, PhD. My research explores the intersection of auditory and tactile perception, with a focus on developing innovative sensory substitution technologies to enhance auditory rehabilitation for individuals with hearing loss.
Audiologist
Clinique MultiSens, Lévis, Canada
I graduated with an M. Aud. from Université Laval in 2022, and now work in a private practice.
Research Interests
Multisensory Integration & Cross-Modal Plasticity
Investigating how the brain integrates information from auditory and tactile sensory channels, and how prolonged auditory deprivation (such as age-related hearing loss) induces neuroplastic changes that alter cross-modal processing.
Timbre Perception Across Modalities
Examining the perception of timbre—the quality that distinguishes different sound sources—in both auditory and vibrotactile contexts. This includes understanding which acoustic features can be effectively translated to tactile sensations and how musical training influences these perceptual abilities.
Assistive Technology Development
Designing and validating novel sensory substitution devices, including the multichannel vibrotactile glove, to provide tactile representations of complex auditory information. The goal is to develop clinically viable tools that can enhance music perception, speech understanding, and overall quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments.
Psychoacoustics & Auditory Scene Analysis
Utilizing psychophysical methods and electrophysiological techniques (including frequency-following responses) to understand how older adults with hearing loss process spectral and temporal acoustic cues, particularly in complex listening environments.