About
Dr. Aravind Kannan is a Professor in the Department of Speech Language Pathology at MERF Institute of
Speech and Hearing. With a rich academic background spanning Linguistics and Speech & Hearing Sciences,
he brings an interdisciplinary perspective to the field. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary)
from Annamalai University and has been associated with MERF-ISH since 2007 in various capacities. His
research interests include discourse analysis, language disorders, and clinical linguistics with a focus
on Tamil-speaking populations.
About
Work Experience
2018
Professor – MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing
2018 – Till Date
● Present
2007
Audiologist / Assistant Professor – MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing
2007 – 2009
2003
Lecturer / Clinical Supervisor – AVMC, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College
2003 – 2006
Research Experience
- Development of language assessment tool in traumatic brain injured patients. Dissertation submitted as partial fulfillment for M.Phil. in Neurolinguistics, Annamalai University (2003–2004).
- Spontaneous recovery of speech and language disorders in traumatic brain injured. Dissertation submitted as partial fulfillment for M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Bangalore (1999–2000).
- Awareness of speech and language disorders among primary school teachers. Independent project submitted as partial fulfillment for M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Bangalore (1999–2000).
Scientific Papers Published
- Maria, J., Samyuktha, N., Yuva Yoga Shree, B. V., Thiruvalluvan, V., & Aravind Kannan. (2021). Discourse analysis in Tamil speaking individuals with Parkinson's disease. International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 6(4).
- Maria, J., Kowsika Devi, V., Thiruvalluvan, V., & Aravind Kannan. (2021). Conversational discourse analysis in Tamil speaking individuals: A comparison across age range. IJRAR, 8(3).
- Arun Kumar, M., Kannan, A., & Karthikeyan, G. (2021). Awareness about occupational therapy among special educators. IJARESM, 9(10), 933.
- Kumar, M. A., Rathinavathy, H. G., & Kannan, A. (2021). Effect of vestibular-based physical activity on academic performance of children with ADHD. IJARESM, 9(10), 928.
- Paramadhyalan, P., Kannan, A., & Thiruvalluvan, V. (2009). Psycholinguistic aided phonics teaching to dysphonetic dyslexics. MJAL, 1(5). ISSN 0974-8741.
- Kalpana, P., Pavithra, V., & Kannan, A. (2008). Screening of speech and language skills in preschoolers and kindergarten. Poster presentation, ISHACON, Mangalore, February 2008.
- Kannan, A., & Thiruvalluvan, V. (2012). Application of natural language processing techniques to augmentative communication systems. In Conference Proceedings, Centre for Advanced Linguistics, Annamalai University, 28–30 December 2012.
Book / Chapter Published
- Kannan, A., & Baranidharan, A. (2025). A clinician’s manual for teaching affirmation and negation: An integrated SLP & ABA protocol. Therapy Compass. ISBN 978-93-343-8192-4.
- Ranganathan, M., Kannan, A., & Rajesh, P. (2014). Acoustic analysis of PB words used in Indian languages. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. ISBN 978-3-659-55782-8.
Camps / Training Programmes Organized
- Dec 2008 – Faculty in Advanced Phonosurgery Workshop and hands-on stroboscopy workshop, MERF-ISH.
- Dec 2007 – Cochlear Implant Education Programme (CIEP) in collaboration with MED-EL India Pvt. Ltd., Pondicherry.
- May–Jun 2007 – Screening and Free ENT Camp for Civil Supplies C.I.D. personnel.
- Sep 2003 – Workshop: Cerumen Management by Audiologist in Indian Context, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital.
- Nov 2003 – Continuing Education Programme on Private Practice in SLP & Audiology and Cochlear Implant Mapping, Sri Ramachandra Medical College.
- Mar 2002 – Training for parents on rehabilitation of autistic children and learning disability, Life Help Centre.
- Jan 2002 – Training for special educators on assessment and rehabilitation of autistic children and learning disability, Life Help Centre.
- Aug 1998 – Audiological screening at Life Help Centre for Handicapped, including Navapraja Special School and Eva Integrated School.
CRE Programs Co-ordinated (NIEPMD)
- Sep 2011 – 3-day CRE Program: Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Management of Persons with Multiple Disability, in collaboration with NIEPMD & SAPTHAAGIRI Rehabilitation Trust, Virudhunagar. Delivered lectures on AAC systems, classroom AAC, fabrication, and communication management.
- Jul 2011 – 3-day CRE Program: Management of Communication Disorders in Persons with Multiple Disability, in collaboration with NIEPMD & Karunai School for Mentally Challenged, Puducherry. Delivered training on management of communication disorders in children with multiple disabilities.
Conferences / Workshops / Seminars Attended
1st State Conference of Tamil Nadu Branch – TAN-ISHACON 2011, Tiruchirappalli (19–20 November 2011)
42nd National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2010, Kolkata (21–23 January 2010)
Workshop on Recent Trends in Audiology & Latest Innovations on Phonak Hearing Instruments, Park Sheraton, organized by Phonak India (10 May 2009)
41st National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2009, Pune (23–25 January 2009)
40th National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2008, Mangalore (1–3 February 2008)
Recent Advances in Brainstem and Cochlear Implants, MERF (November 2007)
Workshop on Implantable Hearing Solutions, MERF-ISH (1–2 September 2007)
International Update on Electrophysiology, MERF (March 2007)
Workshop on Cochlear Beyond 2007 – Recent Advances in Cochlear Implants, MERF-ISH (24–25 February 2007)
39th National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2007, Calicut (19–21 January 2007)
Workshop on Cochlear Beyond 2006 – Freedom Training Workshop, MERF-ISH (30 September 2006)
38th National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2006, Ahmedabad (19–21 January 2006)
Workshop on Sensory Integration, Sri Ramachandra Speech and Hearing Alumni Association (5 October 2005)
Workshop on Brainstorming on Inter-Institutional Professional Co-operation, Dr. S. R. Chandrasekar Institute of Speech and Hearing with RCI support, Bengaluru (July 2005)
37th National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2005, Indore (14–16 January 2005)
Workshop on Training to Administer Language Abilities Test, NIRMITEE in collaboration with ISHA MPCG Chapter, Indore (13 January 2005)
Workshop on Developmental Disorders – Dr. Prathibha Karanth, Sri Ramachandra Speech and Hearing Alumni Association (5 October 2004)
International Conference on Indian Lexicography (ICOIL), Centre for Advanced Study in Linguistics, Annamalai University (28–30 January 2004)
National Annual Conference of ISHA – ISHACON 2003, Chennai (January 2003)
Symposium & Workshop on Speech Disorders in Individuals with Cleft Lip & Palate, Sri Ramachandra University (25–27 October 2002)
Symposium on Health and Environment, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences & Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Bengaluru (April 2002)
13th National Seminar on Mental Retardation, NIMH, KPAMRC & ACTIONAID India, Bengaluru (January 2000)
National Annual Conference of ISHA – ISHACON, Hyderabad (January 2000)
Workshop on Programming Hearing Aids – Issues and Clinical Practice, Institute of Speech and Hearing (December 1999)
Workshop on Digital Hearing Aids, Institute of Speech and Hearing (May 1999)
Workshop on Treatment Procedures in Communication Disorders and Efficacy of Treatment, Institute of Speech and Hearing (May 1999)
Symposium on Multifaceted Rehabilitation on the Head Injury, Institute of Speech and Hearing (February 1998)
National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON, Puri, Odisha (January 1998)
National Conference of ISHA – ISHACON, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (January 1997)
