Philippe Fournier

Ph.D. (doctor), Regular member

Expertise
Optometry

Principal Interest
Other

Secondary Interest
Rehabilitation

Primary Affiliation

Université Laval

Secondary Affiliation
Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (CIRRIS)

Biography

Philippe Fournier has been an audiologist since 2009 and an assistant professor in audiology at Université Laval since 2021. He holds degrees in biomedical sciences, audiology, and public administration, as well as a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences (audiology option). His work focuses on the functioning of the auditory system and its disorders, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Aix-Marseille University, he continues his research on the development of diagnostic tools and the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms. Highly involved in the profession, he founded the Quebec Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (AQOA) and has received several distinctions for his contributions.

How does your current work contribute to improve treatment or understanding of pain?

My career as a researcher in audiology did not prepare me for an interest in pain research. However, during my post-doctoral training, I came across patients with various symptoms resulting from acoustic shock (a sudden, unexpected loud noise). Among other things, these patients reported pain in and around the ear, that was triggered by sounds. Part of my research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms by which sounds can cause this pain, and at finding treatments for these painful symptoms.

Media

ULaval News ''Une méthode pour mieux mesurer les répercussions de l'hyperacousie'' Tinnitus Myths #1: ''Nothing can be done to treat tinnitus'' Tinnitus Myths #2: ''Tinnitus makes you go deaf''