In order to improve hearing aid fitting and evaluation, and investigate hearing problems, the Institute of Sound and Vibration research (ISVR) are conducting two studies looking at brain responses to speech stimuli and people’s responses to very high-pitched sounds.
You can take part if you are between 18 and 70 years old and you have normal hearing. There are 2 studies, and you can participate in either one or both.
Before the start of the tests, colleagues from ISVR will assess whether you have normal hearing using standard clinical tests. In one study, you will be asked to sit in a chair and listen to speech stimuli while your brain activity is measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG). In the other, you will perform a simple task while listening to either a high-pitched or lower pitched sound and then be asked to rate your experience.
Each study will take around 2 hours to complete, and you may be given the opportunity to attend further experiments at a later date. The studies can be completed within the clinic’s opening hours of 07:30 – 20:00, meaning the last participant must arrive by 18:00. The study will also take place on weekends.
By participating in this study, you will receive the opportunity to have your hearing checked for free. You will also help to further optimise hearing aid fitting for those with impaired hearing, or help people who suffer from adverse effects of high-pitched sounds.
You will be paid up to £20 or £7.50 an hour for participating in the project. Even if you complete both studies, the maximum you will earn is £20 in total.
The studies will begin taking place from Monday 10 October and will continue until approximately 15 December 2016.
If you want to have more details about these studies, or would like to participate, please contact: Dr Frederique Vanheusden or Dr Mark Fletcher
The studies have been approved by the University’s Research Ethics Council (ERGO, Ref no. 20741 and 17307).
