Sarah Holbert, Au.D., C.C.C.-A

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SUMMARY

The research interests of Sarah O. Holbert, Au.D., C.C.C.-A., compliment her clinical interest in cochlear implants, hearing aids and aural rehabilitation of adults with acquired hearing loss. Dr. Holbert is a team member of the Aerospace Medicine and Vestibular Research Laboratory and investigates various therapies to enhance balance and mitigate motion sickness. Additionally, she is dedicated to linking research activities with clinical practice and to the education of future audiologists as well as practicing health professionals.

Focus areas

• Aerospace medicine. Dr. Holbert works toward developing and using specific electronic signals sent to nerves in the ear (galvanic vestibular stimulation) to improve balance and enhance human performance in the aerospace environment. She has served as a co-investigator in multiple studies on vestibular adaptation in galvanic vestibular stimulation. Additionally, she has contributed to studies to reduce the effects of motion sickness by using galvanic vestibular stimulation for oculovestibular equilibration, suppression, recoupling or a combination thereof.
• Cochlear implants. An additional area of focus involves investigation of cochlear implants and factors effecting speech perception. Dr. Holbert has co-authored analysis of variable outcomes and performance levels for patients receiving cochlear implants.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Holbert works toward the goal of helping audiology patients attain the best possible outcomes after aural surgery and rehabilitation, as well as to better understand how humans can optimize performance in aerospace environments. She is also dedicated to ensuring that current and future patients receive the best possible care through professional education of otorhinolaryngologists, audiologists and other allied health care professionals.

Professional highlights

• Director, Audiology Externship, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, 2015-present
• Otorhinolaryngology Disease-Oriented Group, Mayo Clinic, 2010-present
• Arnold D. Tuttle Award (co-author), Aerospace Medical Association, 2013
• Distinguished Allied Health Educator of the Year, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, 2012
• Mayo Clinic Quality Fellow, Silver Certification, 2012; Bronze Certification, 2011