Improving hearing tests with realistic environments and game-like rewards
Enhanced environments for psychophysical evaluation and training
This study is looking at how making hearing tests more fun and realistic can help us better understand how well people hear and think, especially for those with hearing loss or a history of mild brain injuries, so we can improve their testing experience and results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10875590 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how enhancing traditional hearing tests with more realistic environments and engaging, game-like interfaces can improve the assessment of auditory and cognitive abilities. By simulating real-world listening experiences and incorporating motivational elements, the study aims to better understand how these factors influence listener performance and satisfaction. Participants will include individuals with normal hearing, varying degrees of hearing impairment, and those with a history of mild traumatic brain injury. The goal is to identify which enhancements lead to more accurate evaluations and better align with patients' everyday experiences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include younger individuals with normal hearing, older adults with varying levels of hearing loss, and patients with a history of mild traumatic brain injury.
Not a fit: Patients with profound hearing loss who cannot benefit from auditory assessments may not receive any advantage from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective hearing assessments and improved treatment strategies for individuals with hearing impairments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that enhancing testing environments can improve patient engagement and outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallun, Frederick J. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Gallun, Frederick J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.