Scheifele Named Military's Top Dog for Canine Audiology

Animal audiology researcher Peter Scheifele, PhD, director of the Facility for the Education and Testing of Canine Hearing and laboratory for Animal Bioacoustics (FETCH~LAB) at the University of Cincinnati, has been designated as the subject matter expert (SME) for  United States Army military working dog audiology. 

According to Army officials, military dogs are a critical component of force health protection and are essential force multipliers for current warfighter efforts.

Scheifele, an associate professor in UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is currently working with the Army Special Forces Veterinarian LTC Clinton George and Veterinary Technician SSG Thomas Sager to conduct baseline hearing tests, provide hearing protection and monitor Special Operations canine soldiers. 

In addition, Scheifele and his faculty and student team at FETCH~LAB are conducting research to help diagnose and treat canine posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) for canine soldiers returning from theater and Scheifele is working with other UC faculty, professor Howard Fan, PhD, and instructor John Phillips, at UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, on a canine hearing protector designed for military working dogs.