Electric StimulationMental HealthSurveys and QuestionnairesPsychometricsEnglandFocus GroupsPersonal SatisfactionSpeech IntelligibilitySpeech DisordersScotlandSpeechSpeech Production MeasurementHearing LossPalatal MusclesSpeech Articulation Tests
Dr. Ashdown studies a range of health and communication issues. He has researched innovative methods like using sound waves to communicate through thick walls, which can help technicians in industrial settings. He also assesses mental well-being among teenagers using a specific scale, helping educators and mental health professionals support young people's emotional health. Additionally, he explores techniques to improve speech in hard of hearing adolescents, allowing them to communicate more effectively. Dr. Ashdown has also investigated a non-invasive treatment for Peyronie's disease, helping men rebuild their sexual health and confidence.
Key findings
Dr. Ashdown's ultrasonic communication system can power devices needing under 100 milliwatts and send data over 30 kilobits per second.
The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale showed a reliable average score of 48.8 out of 70 from a study of 1,650 teenagers.
In a 14-week study, teens with moderate to severe hearing loss showed significant improvement in speech clarity, particularly with challenging sounds like /s/ and /l/.
Out of 28 men treated for Peyronie's disease, 20 reported improved erections and 11 resumed sexual intercourse after extracorporeal shockwave treatment.
Dr. Ashdown identified gaps in medical training and resources, advocating for better healthcare support in underserved communities.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Ashdown study mental health in teenagers?
Yes, he focuses on assessing mental well-being in teenagers using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale.
What treatments has Dr. Ashdown researched?
He has researched extracorporeal shockwave treatment for Peyronie's disease and techniques to improve speech in hard of hearing adolescents.
Is Dr. Ashdown's work relevant to patients with hearing loss?
Yes, his research on speech habilitation significantly benefits hard of hearing adolescents by helping them improve their communication skills.
Can the ultrasonic technology developed by Dr. Ashdown help in industrial settings?
Absolutely, it enables communication and power supply in environments where traditional methods fail, such as through thick metal walls.
What impact does Dr. Ashdown's research have on healthcare disparities?
His work highlights gaps in care and promotes innovative solutions to improve healthcare access for underserved communities.
Publications in plain English
A full-duplex ultrasonic through-wall communication and power delivery system.
2013
IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control
Ashdown J, Wilt KR, Lawry TJ, Saulnier GJ, Shoudy DA +2 more
Plain English This study investigated a new way to send messages and power through thick metal walls using sound waves. Researchers found that their system could power devices needing under 100 milliwatts and send data at speeds over 30 kilobits per second. This matters because it allows for efficient communication and power supply in environments where traditional methods can't work, such as inside metal enclosures.
Who this helps: This helps engineers and technicians working with equipment in industrial settings.
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): validated for teenage school students in England and Scotland. A mixed methods assessment.
2011
BMC public health
Clarke A, Friede T, Putz R, Ashdown J, Martin S +6 more
Plain English Researchers studied the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to see if it accurately measures mental well-being in teenagers aged 13 to 16 in England and Scotland. They found that the scale is reliable and consistent, with a strong average score of 48.8 out of 70 from 1,650 students. This matters because it shows that WEMWBS can effectively gauge mental well-being in young people, helping educators and mental health professionals understand and support their needs better.
Who this helps: Patients, specifically teenagers, and the professionals who support their mental health.
Speech habilitation of hard of hearing adolescents using electropalatography and ultrasound as evaluated by trained listeners.
2003
Clinical linguistics & phonetics
Bernhardt B, Gick B, Bacsfalvi P, Ashdown J
Plain English This study looked at how two types of visual feedback—electropalatography and ultrasound—helped four teenagers with moderate to severe hearing loss improve their speech over 14 weeks. The teens made significant progress, particularly with challenging sounds like /s/ and /l/, showing better clarity in their speech after treatment. This is important because better speech makes communication easier for these adolescents, boosting their confidence and social interactions.
Who this helps: This benefits hard of hearing adolescents and their families.
Peyronie's disease-the Plymouth experience of extracorporeal shockwave treatment.
2001
BJU international
Hamm R, McLarty E, Ashdown J, Natale S, Dickinson A
Plain English This study looked at how effective extracorporeal shockwave treatment (EST) is for men with Peyronie's disease, which causes painful curves in the penis. Out of 28 men treated, 20 reported better erections, 11 were able to resume sexual intercourse, and almost all saw improvements in erectile function, with notable decreases in pain and better angles of the penis. This matters because it provides a non-invasive treatment option that shows positive results for men suffering from this condition.
Who this helps: This benefits men with Peyronie's disease and their partners.
Wren DC, Aquilina N, Griffiths G, Hill P, Askew S +13 more
Plain English This research looked at how doctors are trained and the need for more resources to improve medical care. It highlighted that there are gaps in care, especially in communities that need better support, and called for innovative approaches to nursing and prescribing medication. These findings can lead to better treatment for patients, addressing disparities in healthcare access.
Who this helps: Patients in underserved communities and healthcare providers looking to improve care.