Vanderbilt researchers are seeking participants for a study of how children and adults listen in the presence of background noise. Specifically, the researchers want to learn why children have a harder time listening in noisy environments than adults.
Children and adults, ages 7 to 25 years, are invited to participate in the study.
Participants in this study must have normal hearing and typical speech and language development. Children and adults who have a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, autism, or any other cognitive impairment are not eligible to participate in the study.
Participation in the study requires a one-time visit to the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for two to three hours. The following activities will be completed during the visit:
- Hearing, intelligence and attention screenings
- EEG testing, which involves recording the participant’s brain waves using soft sensors placed on the head. These sensors are arranged on a net that fits on the head like a shower cap. Once the net is in place, the participant will hear sounds from earphones and be asked to play a simple computer game or to watch a movie while listening to the sounds.
- Listening testing, which requires the participant to repeat sentences and words while listening in a noisy environment
Participants will be compensated with a $25 gift card at the end of the study visit.
If you are interested or would like more information regarding the study, contact Samantha Gustafson at 615-936-7498 or samantha.gustafson@vanderbilt.edu.