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Adults and children needed for ‘listening in noise’ study

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.