VA

Varsha
Athreya

Postdoctoral Scholar · Stanford University

I work at the intersection of clinical audiology, auditory neuroscience, and data science — building machine-learning tools to understand speech perception, hearing loss, and what it takes to make hearing healthcare more personalized and equitable.

dB HL -10 0 20 40 60 80 100 250 500 1k 2k 4k 6k 8k Frequency (Hz) Normal Poor speech perception Good speech perception Same audiogram. Different outcomes. Why?

01

A Bit About Me

I'm a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Stanford University, working at the intersection of clinical audiology, auditory neuroscience, and data science. My research focuses on understanding the factors that influence speech perception in real-world environments — including aging, hearing loss, and socioeconomic variables — and on utilizing large-scale clinical data to enhance diagnosis and rehabilitation.

I help develop data-driven tools that integrate audiometric thresholds, speech perception outcomes, and machine learning to support more personalized approaches to hearing healthcare. Previously, I completed my PhD in Auditory Neuroscience at Purdue University, where I investigated age-related changes in temporal processing and cortical auditory responses using EEG and behavioral methods.

Broadly, I'm passionate about combining clinical and neuroscience insights with computational approaches to build scalable tools that advance our understanding of hearing and improve outcomes across diverse patient populations.

Things I think about

🦻 Why two people with identical audiograms can have vastly different experiences of speech in noise
📊 Machine learning for clinical audiometry and precision diagnostics
🌍 Making audiology more equitable and accessible globally

02

Research & Publications

2025
Journal Article
The Impact of Age, Sex, and Hearing Thresholds on Speech Recognition in Quiet and Noise
Athreya, V.M., Ward, K.M. & Fitzgerald, M.B.
American Journal of Audiology, 1–15
2025
Journal Article
Effectiveness of Deep Neural Networks in Hearing Aids for Improving Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Speech Recognition, and Listener Preference in Background Noise
Fitzgerald, M.B., Athreya, V.M., Srour, M., Rejimon, J., et al.
Frontiers in Audiology and Otology, 3, 1677482
In Review
Under Review · Ear and Hearing
Health Literacy, Hearing Loss, and Audiologic Measures of Speech Recognition
Fitzgerald, M.B., Athreya, V.M., Halagur, A.S., Wageck, M., Ward, K.M., et al.
In Review
Under Review · American Journal of Audiology
A Large-Scale Investigation of the Influence of Tinnitus on Clinical Measures of Speech Perception in Quiet and Noise
Antes, E.E., Athreya, V.M., Rejimon, J.P., Tow, C., Musacchia, G.A., Fitzgerald, M.B.
2022
Preprint · bioRxiv
Auditory Brainstem Response as an Objective Measure of Temporal Resolution
Athreya, V.M. & Barman, A.
2018
Journal Article
Effect of Below-Damage-Risk Criteria Environmental Noise on Auditory Perception and Working Memory
Maruthy, S., Gnanateja, G.N., Chengappa, P.C., Publius, S. & Athreya, V.M.
Indian Journal of Otology, 24(2), 98

03

Curriculum Vitae

Education

2024 – Present
Postdoctoral Scholar
Stanford University · Advisor: Matthew Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
2020 – 2024
Ph.D., Auditory Neuroscience
Purdue University · Advisor: Hari Bharadwaj, Ph.D.
2016 – 2018
M.Sc., Audiology
All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH)
2013 – 2016
B.Sc., Speech and Hearing
All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH)

Awards & Honors

2025
Selected Talk, Centennial Session
ASHA Convention
2025
Young Scientist Award, Computational Audiology
VCCA
2023
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award
Dept. of SLHS, Purdue University
2020, 2021
Wilson Scholarship
Purdue University
2018
Best Student Clinician
Dept. of Audiology, AIISH
↓ Download Full CV (PDF)

04

Public Outreach

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Auditory Neuroscience Association at Purdue (ANAP) 2020 – 2024
Purdue University · President & Treasurer

Brought together students, staff, and faculty in auditory neuroscience for peer discussions, mentorship, and collaborations. Organized monthly discussions, journal clubs, and meetings.

Charter Member, Human Library – Mysuru Chapter 2018 – Present

Founded the Mysuru Chapter of the Human Library, an initiative challenging stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. Part of the international Human Library organization headquartered in Copenhagen.

Community Engagement

Volunteer, National Service Scheme (NSS) 2012 – 2018
All India Institute of Speech and Hearing

Attended camps to survey, diagnose, and manage communication disorders in remote and tribal populations across 4 cities in India. Organized and participated in over 10 awareness drives on Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Tinnitus, and Noise.


Get in Touch

vmysorea@stanford.edu