Jithin Balan, PhD

About Dr. Balan

What are your clinical interests?
Diagnostic audiology, electrophysiology, hearing Aids

What do you/did you love the most about your job?

Teaching, clinical Education, and research

What company or organization do you work for right now? If you’re retired, where did you last work?
California State University-Sacramento, assistant professor

What’s a project you’re working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?

I am investigating the independent effects of music-induced ultra-high frequency hearing loss (UHFHL) and working memory on speech perception in noisy environments among musicians. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity music can lead to hearing loss, particularly in frequencies above 8,000 Hz, and is associated with difficulties in understanding speech amid background noise. By assessing UHFHL through audiometry, evaluating working memory capacity, and testing speech-in-noise perception, we aim to elucidate how these factors contribute to communication challenges in musicians. The findings could inform hearing-conservation strategies and rehabilitation approaches for individuals in this population.

How has your career benefited from being a member of the Academy?
Being a member of the Academy offers numerous career benefits, including access to continuing education, networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, and valuable career resources like job boards and resume reviews. I can also enhance my professional development through leadership programs, stay informed about best practices, and enjoy advocacy support that improves practice conditions.

Any tips or advice for new members on how to best leverage their Academy membership?

To foster connections with like-minded professionals, enhance our service delivery to the community, and advance the field of audiology.

Fun Facts

Where is your hometown?
Kozhikode, Kerala, India

What are you reading or listening to at the moment?

Some guidelines for submitting research proposals

Best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Christmas holidays to spend time with family and friends.

Who is your hero, and why?

My heroes embody compassion and dedicate themselves to serving those in need. They uplift others and inspire belief in their potential, demonstrating the importance of sincerity and integrity in their actions. Their commitment to doing good, or karma, reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Someone who can keep the earth more beautiful, lovable, and safe for everyone to live in peace and happiness.