PhD Studentship: Optimising Learning for Two Novel Auditory-cognitive Training Programs in Adults with Hearing Loss

Supervisor 1: Dr Helen Henshaw helen.henshaw@nottingham.ac.uk
Supervisor 2: Dr Antje Heinrich antje.heinrich@manchester.ac.uk
Supervisor 3: Dr Mengfan Wu mengfan.wu@nottingham.ac.uk
Supervisor 4: Dr Emma Broome emma.broome@nottingham.ac.uk

Funding status: This studentship is funded by the NIHR (National Institute of Health and Care Research) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre. The studentship will cover home University rates which includes an annual stipend of £17,668 per annum for 2022/23 and tuition fees. UK/Home students only.

Studentship start date: 1^st February 2023 is the preferred start date but will accept applications to commence 1st April 2023. Duration is 36 months full time.

Project title: Optimising learning for two novel auditory-cognitive training programs in adults with hearing loss

Project description:

One in five people in the UK have hearing loss. Hearing loss makes listening and communication difficult, and these difficulties can persist even when hearing aids are used to amplify sounds. Based on previous research we have developed two new training programs designed to help adults with hearing loss improve their listening in real-world environments. The training combines aspects of auditory training (detecting differences in speech stimuli) with aspects of cognitive training (keeping information in mind).

The goal of this PhD is to compare learning between different training protocols and explore the generalised benefits of training to real-world listening using measures of speech perception, cognition and self-reported listening. There will be scope for experimental research using normal-hearing and hearing-impaired participants. The long-term impact of this research will be the optimisation of new interventions designed to improve outcomes for future NHS hearing aid users.
You should have or expect to obtain a first class or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent), or an MSc/MA, in neuroscience, psychology, audiology or other relevant scientific discipline. Research experience in auditory research will be an advantage. You will have excellent communication and team-working skills, be self-driven and highly motivated. You should also be eligible to apply for relevant research clearances that will be required including a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Helen Henshaw helen.henshaw@nottingham.ac.uk

How to apply:

All applications are to be made directly to the University, selecting PhD Medicine (36 months duration) as the course. Please apply at:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

In the research proposal section, please include “Dr Helen Henshaw - NIHR Nottingham BRC PhD studentship” in the title. You are required to upload the following documents to your application:

• A maximum of a 2-page CV.
• Degree certificate and transcript (if already graduated) or a recent transcript.
• 800 words personal statement (maximum but excludes references) about why you are interested in doing this PhD, how the ideas outlined align with your interests and experiences and any specific ideas you have for research projects you have in this area.
• Either two references (in a non-editable format, on headed paper and signed by the referee) or the details of two referees that we can contact. One of the references must be academic.

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