Prof. Dr. Amirtha Varshini M J

Professor & Vice Principal

B.SHLS | M.Sc (Sp& Hg) | M.Sc ( Psy) | M.A ( Ling) | Ph.D (ID)

RCI CRR No: A04899 | ISHA Life Member No: L512

Professor & Vice Principal – MERF Institute of Speech & Hearing (P) Ltd

Specialisation: Neurogenic Language Disorders, Child Language Disorders, Phonological Sensitivity, Reading Readiness

Current Research Focus: Phonological Sensitivity, VR Intervention for ASD, Reading Readiness in Tamil

GCP Certified – Madras Diabetes Research Foundation

Scientific Member – MERF Ethics Committee & MERF-ISH Ethics Committee, Chennai

About

Prof. Dr. Amirtha Varshini M J is a Professor & Vice Principal at MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing, Chennai. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary) from Annamalai University (2021), an M.A. in Linguistics from Annamalai University, an MSc. in Psychology from Madras University, an MSc. in Speech and Hearing from the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), and a Bachelor of Speech Hearing and Language Sciences (BSHLS) from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. She has over two decades of teaching, clinical, and research experience across leading institutions including MERF-ISH, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College (Puducherry), JSS Medical College (Mysuru), and Dr. M V Shetty College of Speech and Hearing (Mangalore). Her research expertise spans Phonological Sensitivity, Language Disorders in children, Cochlear Implant outcomes, AAC, Voice, Swallowing, and Dementia. She has guided numerous postgraduate dissertations and published extensively in national and international peer-reviewed journals. She is a recipient of multiple Best Paper and Best Poster Awards at national and international conferences. She currently serves as Scientific Member of the MERF Ethics Committee and MERF-ISH Ethics Committee and is GCP Certified by Madras Diabetes Research Foundation.

About

Work Experience

2025

Professor & Vice Principal – MERF Institute of Speech & Hearing
2025 – Till Date

● Present

2020

Professor & Vice Principal – MERF Institute of Speech & Hearing
2020 – 2022

2017

Professor & Principal / Re-designated as Deputy Director
Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Puducherry | 2017 – 2019

2009

Associate Professor – MERF Institute of Speech & Hearing
2009 – 2016

2002

Lecturer / Clinical Coordinator – JSS Medical College, Mysuru
2002 – 2005

2000

Lecturer / Clinical Supervisor – Dr. M V Shetty College of Speech and Hearing, Mangalore
2000 – 2002

Doctor of Philosophy (Interdisciplinary) – Annamalai University, 2021

M.A. Linguistics – Annamalai University, 2016–2018

MSc. Psychology – Madras University, 2000–2002

MSc. Speech and Hearing – All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, 1998–2000

Bachelor of Speech Hearing and Language Sciences (BSHLS) – Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, 1994–1998

Research Experience

Phonological Sensitivity – Exploring the Development & Assessment of Children with Language Disorders. Thesis submitted for Ph.D (Interdisciplinary) – Annamalai University, 2016–2021.
A comparative study of reactions to frustration between normal and deaf adults. Dissertation for M.Sc. in Psychology – University of Madras, 2001–2002.
Some aspects of Intonation in Tamil. Dissertation for M.Sc. in Speech and Hearing Sciences – University of Mysore, 1999–2000.
Management of Central Auditory Processing Disorder – A review. Independent project for M.Sc. in Speech and Hearing Sciences – University of Mysore, 1998–1999.

Research Projects Guided

2021–2022

Perceptual and Acoustic Characteristics of Voice by Using Different Face Masks
Reading Readiness Test in Malayalam (RRT-M)
Children's Eating Behavior and Pediatric Feeding Practices in India – A Parental Perspective
Validation of Swallowing Screening Protocol in Post-Acute Care
Speech and Swallow Rehabilitation in individuals with Tracheostomy – An introductory protocol
Comparison of Micro linguistic Performance Between Aided versus Unaided Narration in Individuals with Aphasia
Semantic Feature Production – A Comparison Between Tamil Speaking Young Adults and Geriatrics
Narrative Abilities in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease using Structured Task
Infant Cry Analysis using LingWAVES

2020–2021

Reading Readiness Test in Tamil (RRTT)
Characteristics of Voice in Cochlear Implantees Across Age Range
Extended-Tamil Phonological Awareness Skills Screening Test (E–TPASST)
Macrolinguistic and Microlinguistic aspects of Discourse Production in Tamil Speaking Adults and Geriatrics – A Profile
Validation of Acoustic Voice Quality Index in Tamil Language
Adaptation And Validation of Vocal Fatigue Index in Hindi (VFI-H)
Cepstral Analysis of Voice across ages in Normophonics
Adaptation And Validation of Lexical Repertoire Checklist in Tamil Speaking Primary School Children
Development and Validation of Cognition & Language Assessment Tool in Tamil (CLAT-T) for Adults and Geriatrics

2015–2016

Phonological Sensitivity in Children with Learning Disability
Awareness of Learning Disability among Teachers in Different Boards of Education

2013–2014

Semantic Memory in Dementia of Alzheimer's Type

2012–2013

An Intervention Programme for Improving Phonological Sensitivity Skills
Lexical Ambiguity and Sentence Processing in Bilingual Typically Developing Children
Phonological Awareness Skills in Children with CI
Prevalence of Voice Disorders among School Going Children
Development of Phonological Awareness Skills in Typically Developing Tamil Speaking Children

2001–2002

Awareness of Hearing Conservation among Traffic Police at Mangalore
Acoustical Treatment of Audiological Test Room Materials Available in India – A Question Bank
Master your Concepts in Auditory Neuropathy – A Question Bank

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Analysis of High Risk Registers (HRR) for Communication Disorders in Rural & Urban Habitat Residential Areas (UHRA) in Chennai – A Retrospective study

Establishing Norms for Reading Readiness Skills using Reading Readiness Test in Tamil (RRTT)

Scientific Paper Publications

Maria J, Amirtha Varshini M J and Ranjith R (2024). Efficacy of Intervention Programme to Improve Phonological Sensitivity Skills in Tamil Speaking Children who are Below Average Scholastic Performers. Journal of Child Language Acquisition and Development, Vol 12, Issue 1, pp. 900–949.
M J Amirtha Varshini, J Maria, M N Anusha, Dikshitha Anand (2024). Knowledge of Dysphagia among Geriatrics. Journal of Indian Speech Language & Hearing Association, 38: 29–36.
Deepthi Vivek V and Amirtha Varshini M J (2021). Confrontation Naming and Generative Naming in Dementia: A Comparison. Acta Scientific Otolaryngology, Vol 3(9), pp. 23–33.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus D, Pratheeba S, and Thiruvalluvan V (2020). Shallow Stage of Phonological Sensitivity in Tamil Speaking Children. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research, Vol 07, Issue 08, pp. 6124–6127.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus D, Pratheeba S, Thiruvalluvan V (2020). Phonemic Awareness in Tamil Speaking Children. Journal of International Academic Research for Multidisciplinary, Volume 8, Issue 10, pp. 12–23.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus D, Pratheeba S, Thiruvalluvan V (2020). Phonological Sensitivity – Syllable Awareness in Tamil. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 220–227.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Hiranmayee B, Prasanth Antony (2020). Independent living and sustainable development of children with multiple disabilities – Parent Perspectives. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 496–503.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus D (2020). Tamil Phonological Awareness Skills Screening Test (TPASST). International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 398–406.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Ram Karthik K, Maria J (2020). Development of Bilingual Ambiguity Resolution. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publication, Volume 10, Issue 7.
Khwaja Moinudeen, Amirtha Varshini M J, John Wesley (2020). Comparison of 500 Hz Tonebursts and 500 Hz Octave Chirps for Cervical Vestibular Evoked Potentials. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 10, Issue 3.
R R Kumar, R Jawahar, M J Amirtha Varshini, S Ravikumar, M K Muralitharan, Biswajit Mohanty (2019). Clinical Evaluation of Maternally Inherited Type-2 Diabetes and Deafness in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Puducherry. International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research, Vol 6, Issue 7.
R R Kumar, Amirtha Varshini M J, Biswajit Mohanty (2019). Molecular Genetic Analysis of Maternal Inherited Diabetes with Deafness Associated Point Mutation A3243G in Puducherry Family. International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences, Volume 9, Issue 1.

Chapter Publications

Amirtha Varshini M J, Ajith Kumar, Pratheeba S, Thiruvalluvan V (2020). Phonological Sensitivity in Children with Cochlear Implant. Indian Multilingualism and Language Behaviour. Eds: Manjulakshi L, Mahendra M. Neelaparvath Prakasana Publications. Pg No: 191–206. ISBN: 978-81-924844-7-1.
Amirtha Varshini M J (2021). Phonological Sensitivity Skills – Early Indicator of Language Learning Difficulties. Recent Advances in Health Care. Ed. Ananda Vayaravel C. Volume 1. Scieng Publications. ISBN: 978-81-955557-3-4.
Amirtha Varshini M J & Pratheeba S (2022). E-TPASST – An Extended Tool to Assess Phonological Awareness Skills in Tamil. Recent Innovation in Multidisciplinary Research for Innovation, Sustainability and Global Transformation. Ed. Dr. Prathiba H D et al. Codex International Publishers. ISBN: 978-93-94799-15-8.

Invited Speaker / Resource Person

Chairperson – International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, Chennai, February 2020.
Assessment of Speech & Language Skills in ASD – Arisjuvady Mental Health Centre, Puducherry, 29–30 June 2019.
Training & Management in ADL – Arisjuvady Mental Health Centre, Puducherry, 02–03 February 2019.
Chairperson of Scientific Committee – National Conference on "Understanding the Socio Emotional Aspects of Individual with Disability", Saveetha University, 30 Nov–01 Dec 2018.
Co-Chairperson of Scientific Committee – National Conference on "Understanding the Socio Emotional Aspects of Individual with Disability", Saveetha University, 30 Nov–01 Dec 2018.
Resource Person – "Transition Skills and Preparation", Aathichudy Special School, Kancheepuram, 7–9 September 2018.
Resource Person – Speech-Language Pathology for CWSN, RCI CRE on development of pre-vocational and vocational skills, Lawspet, 26 Feb–02 March 2018.
Resource Person – Strategies for Introducing Yoga in Medical and Allied Health Science, Yogic Science Dept, AVMC Puducherry, 20 April 2018.
Resource Person – AAC for Autism, 2nd Annual NICE Conference, Chennai, 04 March 2018.
Application of AAC in Individuals with Complex Communication Needs – Symposium on AAC, November 2009, Chennai.
Research Papers Update in Speech Sciences – Symposium on Research Update in Speech, Hearing and Related Sciences, Organised by RCI, December 2009, Chennai.

Awards

Best Paper Award – "Prevalence of Voice Disorders among School Going Children", TAN-ISHACON, Coimbatore, September 2013.
Best Paper Award – "Opportunities and Challenges in Livelihood of Person with MD – Public View", International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020.
Best Poster Award – "Independent living and sustainable development in children with MD – Parental Perspective", International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020.
Best Paper Award – "Development of phonological awareness skill in Tamil speaking children", National Conference HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, March 2020.
Second Best Paper Award – "Evidence Based Intervention for improving Phonological sensitivity skill in Tamil Speaking children", National Conference HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, March 2020.
Best Poster Award – "Intermediate level metaphonological skill in children with Learning Disability", National Conference HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, March 2020.
Third Best Poster Award – "Discourse analysis in cochlear implant users, hearing aid users and normal children", National Conference HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, March 2020.
Second Best Poster Award – "Knowledge of Dysphagia among Geriatrics", National Conference HCC FLASH Series VI, Trichy, November 2022.

Scientific Paper Presentations

Amirtha Varshini M J et al. "Frequency of occurrence of speech sounds in Tamil". 29th National Conference of ISHA, Coimbatore, 1997.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Megha G H. "Vowel Duration in Hearing Impaired Adults". National Symposium on Acoustics & Workshop on MEMS Technology, Mysore, 2004.
Archana S, Maria Grace Treasa, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Speech and Language Characteristics in HIV-Infected Children". 37th National Conference of ISHA, Indore, 2004.
Mithila Poonacha, Preethi T Thomas, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Public's Voice on Media's portrayal of Stutterer's difficulties". 37th National Conference of ISHA, Indore, 2004.
Preethi T Thomas, Mithila Poonacha, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Aspartame and its Effects on Communication – Medico's Insight". 37th National Conference of ISHA, Indore, 2004.
Wasim Ahmed, Jijo Pottackal Mathew, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Is Speech Important for Communication? – Perception of Hearing Impaired Adults". 37th National Conference of ISHA, Indore, 2004.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Application of AAC in Individuals with Complex Communication Needs". Symposium on AAC, November 2009, Chennai.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Research Papers Update in Speech Sciences". Symposium on Research Update, Organised by RCI, December 2009, Chennai.
Bhaskar Dey, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Prevalence of Voice Disorders among School Going Children" – Best Paper Award. TAN-ISHACON, Coimbatore, September 2013.
Anju Elsa, Bhaskar Dey, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Awareness of Learning Disability among Teachers". TAN-ISHACON, Coimbatore, September 2013.
Shanmuga Preethi, Narendra Kumar, Ajit Kumar, Amirtha Varshini M J. "Phonological Awareness in Children with CI". CIGI CON, Delhi, November 2014.
Amirtha Varshini M J et al. "Teachers Awareness and Attitude Towards Voice Health Care". FlaSH Series III, National Conference on Assessment and Management of Voice Disorders, Trichy, September 2018.
Amirtha Varshini M J & Nivetha. "Functional, Physical and Emotional Aspects of Vocal Disability in Teachers". National Conference, Saveetha University, November–December 2018.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "A comparative study of reactions to frustration between normal hearing and deaf adults". National Conference, Saveetha University, November–December 2018.
Amirtha Varshini M J & Nivetha. "Socio-Emotional Aspects of Hearing Loss on Communication". National Conference, Saveetha University, November–December 2018.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Opportunities and Challenges in Livelihood of Person with MD – Public View". International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020. Best Paper Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Vocational Training Services and post training opportunities for PWD – A Parental Outlook". International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Highlighting the provision and facilities provided by employers for persons with differential ability in children". International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Providing job opportunities for persons with MD – attitude and perception of Employers". International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J. "Independent living and sustainable development in children with MD – Parental Perspective". International Conference on Multiple Disabilities, February 2020. Best Poster Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus Daniel & Maria J. "Development of phonological awareness skill in Tamil speaking children". National Conference HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, March 2020. Best Paper Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J & Maria J. "Evidence Based Intervention for improving Phonological sensitivity skill in Tamil Speaking children". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020. Second Best Paper Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Ajith, Maria J & Prashanth. "Shallow level phonological awareness in children with Cochlear Implantation". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Sharmila N, Maria J & Akshay. "Intermediate level metaphonological skill in children with Learning Disability". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020. Best Poster Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Ramkarthik & Maria J. "Development of ambiguity in Bilinguals". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Sheena & Maria J. "Does the awareness about learning disability among teachers of different boards vary?" HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Kowshika Devi. "Discourse analysis in cochlear implant users, hearing aid users and normal children – comparative study". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020. Third Best Poster Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J, Prashanth Antony & Narendiran. "Ambiguity resolution in Language Learning Disability". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J, Akshay & Pratheeba S. "Ambiguity resolution Ability in children with Hearing Impairment". HCC FLASH Series V, March 2020.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J, Anusha M N, Dikshitha Anand. "Knowledge of Dysphagia among Geriatrics". HCC FLASH Series VI, Trichy, November 2022. Second Best Poster Award.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Sangeetha, Maria J, Dikshitha Anand, Anusha M N. "A Comprehensive Case Report on Psychogenic Dysphagia". HCC FLASH Series VI, Trichy, November 2022.
Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J, Anusha Rao, Castroleena J, Hariram Rajeev Menon. "Symptoms of Dysphagia in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease across Various Post Onset Duration". HCC FLASH Series VI, Trichy, November 2022.
Maria J, Yuva Yoga Shree B, and Amirtha Varshini M J. "Macrostructural and Microstructural Discourse Performance in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease – A Comparison Based on Post Onset Duration". 2nd International Conference on Dementia & Dementia Care, Paris, France, November 2022.
Amirtha Varshini M J and Sujitha S. "Characteristics of Voice in Cochlear Implantees across age ranges". 7th TAN ISHACON, Chennai, February 2026.

Phonological Sensitivity & Language Disorders

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Voice Disorders & Swallowing

Cochlear Implant Outcomes

Dementia & Cognitive-Communication Disorders

Reading Readiness & Learning Disabilities

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Efficacy of Intervention Programme to Improve Phonological Sensitivity Skills in Tamil Speaking Children Maria J, Amirtha Varshini M J and Ranjith R
Journal of Child Language Acquisition and Development
Year: 2024 | Vol 12, Issue 1
Knowledge of Dysphagia among Geriatrics M J Amirtha Varshini, J Maria, M N Anusha, Dikshitha Anand
Journal of Indian Speech Language & Hearing Association
Year: 2024 | Vol 38: 29–36
Confrontation Naming and Generative Naming in Dementia: A Comparison Deepthi Vivek V and Amirtha Varshini M J
Acta Scientific Otolaryngology
Year: 2021 | Vol 3(9), pp. 23–33
Tamil Phonological Awareness Skills Screening Test (TPASST) Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus D
International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews
Year: 2020
Phonemic Awareness in Tamil Speaking Children Amirtha Varshini M J, Tychicus D, Pratheeba S, Thiruvalluvan V
Journal of International Academic Research for Multidisciplinary
Year: 2020 | Vol 8, Issue 10