Building global solutions for hearing loss and cognitive health

As Moody College of Communication faculty continue to make an impact here in Texas and abroad, Dr. Srikanta Mishra, associate professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, recently received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for the 2026-2027 academic year. As part of the project, Mishra will collaborate with the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. 

The award recognizes Mishra’s professional achievements, leadership and potential to build lasting international collaborations. 

Starting in December 2027, Mishra and his colleagues in Bangalore will examine how age-related hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Read on to hear what Mishra had to say about the award and what he hopes to accomplish in the next year and a half. 

Can you give us an overview of the project you’ll be working on as a result of the award?

The project will integrate hearing expertise into ongoing dementia research, develop culturally appropriate hearing assessment and early intervention strategies and strengthen research capacity in hearing and brain health in India, with broader implications for other low- and middle-income countries. Ultimately, the work aims to identify practical, accessible approaches, such as earlier hearing screening and hearing aid intervention, that may promote healthier auditory and cognitive aging while reducing health disparities.

Wow! It sounds like a lot of people will benefit from this project? What is your end goal?

I hope to better understand how hearing difficulties affect cognition and use that knowledge to improve hearing care, communication and quality of life.

How does it feel to be a Fulbright recipient and have your work and research be so impactful internationally? 

It is an incredible honor. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my work internationally, learn from others, and contribute to improving hearing care across communities.