Randomised Study of Web-Based Auditory Training With Varying Perceptual and Cognitive Demands on Training Gains and Generalised Speech, Cognitive, and Communication Outcomes
This research explores a web-based program called PLUS (Practice Listening and Understanding Speech) for adults with hearing difficulties. It aims to understand if changing the difficulty level of these listening exercises affects how much people learn and whether it improves their speech understanding, thinking skills, and overall communication. The study involves two parts: one where participants do listening exercises online for two weeks, and another where a smaller group shares their experiences in focus groups. The goal is to see if these exercises can help people hear better, especially in noisy places, and improve their quality of life, acting as a helpful tool either before or alongside hearing aids.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Hearing loss is a common problem in the UK, affecting many adults. It can make it hard to understand conversations, especially in noisy places like restaurants, even for those who use hearing aids. This can sometimes lead to feeling cut off or affecting your daily life. This study is looking into a new approach called Auditory Training (AT), specifically a program called PLUS (Practice Listening and Understanding Speech).
PLUS is a set of listening exercises you can do online using a computer or phone. Think of it like a gym workout for your ears and brain! It's designed to help you improve how you listen and understand speech. This research wants to find out if making these exercises a bit easier or harder changes how well people learn and if these improvements then help with everyday listening, thinking, and talking. If successful, this kind of training could be a helpful tool for many people, either before they get hearing aids or as an extra support alongside them.
The study has two main parts. The first part involves people doing the PLUS exercises, and the second part involves talking to some of those participants to understand their experiences. By doing this, the researchers hope to make auditory training even better and more effective for people with listening difficulties, ultimately aiming to improve their communication and overall quality of life.
Key takeaways
- Study explores online listening exercises (PLUS) for adults with hearing difficulties.
- Aims to see if training difficulty affects learning and everyday hearing.
- Involves 2 weeks of online training (30 mins/day, 5 days/week).
- Assessments measure changes in speech understanding and thinking skills.
- Opportunities to share experiences in online group chats.
- Supports research into better ways to manage hearing challenges.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older with hearing difficulties. You might be suitable if you struggle to hear or understand speech, particularly in challenging listening situations, and this has been confirmed by a specific hearing test result.
You can take part whether you currently use hearing aids or not. It's important that you can read and understand English, are able to give your consent to join the study, and have access to the internet and working speakers or headphones.
However, you cannot join if you've already had similar auditory training before, or if you use a cochlear implant. Also, if you don't meet any of the requirements mentioned above, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have listening difficulties or trouble understanding speech?
- Can you read and understand English well?
- Do you have access to the internet and working speakers or headphones?
- Have you *not* had similar auditory training before?
- Do you *not* use a cochlear implant?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups, which means it's like a coin flip deciding which specific version of the training you'll do. You'll use the online PLUS program for at least 30 minutes each day, five days a week, for two weeks. This adds up to 10 training sessions and a total of about 5 hours of training.
Before and after your training, you'll complete some assessments. These will measure how well you hear and understand speech, how your thinking skills are, and how you feel about your hearing and communication. These assessments help the researchers see if the training has made a difference.
After the training and assessments, a small number of participants will be invited to join an online group chat (called a focus group) using Microsoft Teams. This chat will last about 60-90 minutes, and it's a chance to share your experiences and thoughts about the PLUS training.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research CentreVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is PLUS training?
PLUS stands for Practice Listening and Understanding Speech. It's an online program with exercises designed to help you improve your listening skills.
How long will I train for each day?
You'll be asked to do the online training for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for two weeks.
Do I need hearing aids to join?
No, you don't. You can participate whether you use hearing aids or not.
What happens after the training?
You'll complete some final assessments, and a small number of participants might be invited to share their experiences in an online group discussion.
Will I know if the training has helped me?
The assessments before and after training will help researchers see if there are any changes in your listening and thinking skills.
How to find out more
Natalie Lerigo-Smith, MSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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