Researched by Nez Sharp, Dr Helen Nuttall and Dr Kate Slade
This study is measuring if changes in cortical and behavioural responses to sound after hearing aid initiation increase less in those with a higher load of cardiovascular risk factors.
Study details:
This is an in-person study taking place on campus at Lancaster University. You will be required to attend the laboratory twice, once before receiving hearing aids from your audiologist and two weeks after you begin using them. On your first visit, you will be asked to go through a questionnaire about your health and then will have some measurements taken, 
such as your Blood Pressure, height and weight; we will also take a small blood sample from your finger to measure your cholesterol levels. Afterwards, we will measure how your brain responds to sound using Electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a non invasive, painless way of recording your brain activity using sensors built into a swimming cap. During the EEG, you will be asked to listen to some sounds for around ten minutes. Then, at the end of the session, we will ask you to listen to six sentences and report back any words from each sentence that you can hear. On your second visit you will be asked to repeat the EEG and sentence repetition exercises.
Participant requirements:
We need volunteers who are fluent English speakers, ages 65-80 diagnosed with hearing loss and due to begin using hearing aids for the first time. There are some additional criteria that you must meet to participate. You cannot take part if you:
• Have a history or current diagnosis of cognitive impairments or neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease).
• Have a diagnosis of coronary heart disease (including angina or heart attack) or stroke/transient ischaemic attack.
• Have a needle phobia.
• Have any known blood-borne diseases (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis B)
Duration:
Two hours for visit one and 90 minutes for visit two.
Location:
This study takes place on-campus at Lancaster University.
Dates:
Due to begin Autumn 2024.
Contact details:
If you would like to participate or ask any further questions contact Nez Sharp at – n.sharp@lancaster.ac.uk.