Participants needed for hearing research
Notices
Dr. Destiny Bruce, Au.D., and Dr. Yingjiu Nie, Ph.D. from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is looking for participants in a study on computer-based training programs for individuals with difficulties listening in background noise and/or difficulties remembering what they are told. This study has been approved by the IRB, protocol # FY26-61.
We are looking for adults aged 50-75 years old who feel they have difficulties listening in background noise or remembering what they have been told. Participants must have access to computers.
Participants will need to come to 2 in-person visits for 1-2 hours each. The second visit will take place about 6 weeks after the first visit. During the visits participants will
- Receive a hearing test
- Complete a cognitive screener
- Sit in a sound-attenuated room and listen to tone and speech through headphones or loudspeakers
- Push buttons to indicate that you heard differences between sounds
- Repeat the words or sentences you have heard
Participants will be randomly assigned into one of three groups. One group will not have anything assigned to them in-between the first and second visit. Total estimated participation time: 2-4 hours over 2 visits
Participants assigned to the other two groups will complete 5 weeks of computer-based memory trainings: 3 days/week, 15 min/day. Participants who complete training will also fill out a short survey on the computer at the end of each week of training. Training will consist of hearing music or numbers and using keyboards to respond to what they hear. Total estimated participation Time: 6-8 hours (2-4 hours over 2 visits & 4 hours of training over 5 weeks)
Incentives will be given via prepaid card for individuals:
- $15 upon completing the first visit
- $20 upon completing the second visit
- *$60 upon completing 5 weeks of computer training if assigned to a training group
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Bruce at bruce2da@dukes.jmu.edu or (920)410-1824 (cell). If you are aware of someone in the greater Harrisonburg area who might be interested please feel free to spread the word.
