Project 1: Development of Arizona Biomedical Institute (AZBIO) speech test for
Australian English speakers.
Background: The City University of New York (CUNY) sentence perception test has been
used to evaluate the pre-to post implantation improvement in speech perception abilities of
the cochlear implant recipients. However, cochlear implant recipients demonstrate ceiling
effects as early as three months post-implantation on CUNY test. Studies on speech
perception outcomes of cochlear implant recipients have indicated AZBIO test as a suitable
substitute for the current speech perception tests.
Objectives: Development and validation of the AZBIO test for the Australian English
speakers.
Methods: During the first phase of the study, AZBIO test sentences will be re-recorded using
Australian English speakers. During the second phase of the study, these test sentences will
be validated on 120 adult normal hearing speakers across the age of 18-80 years.
Outcome measures: Test-retest reliability, sensitivity, specificity, of the test will be
measured.
Project type: Masters thesis project, suitable for speech therapy undergraduates.
Project 2: Effects of Computerised Auditory-Cognitive Training in Adult Hearing Aid
Users
Background: Age-related hearing loss is one of the common chronic health conditions
affecting individuals above 65 years. Currently there are 360 million people suffering from
disabling hearing loss. Recent studies have indicated a link between cognitive decline and
hearing loss. It has been reported that auditory training positively impacts rehabilitation
outcomes in hearing aid users. However, whether auditory training improves cognitive
functions and or whether these effects are sustained over a period of time is yet to be
determined.
Objectives: To determine the effects of computerised auditory-cognitive training on speechin-noise and cognitive functions of adult hearing aid users.
Methods: A prospective, unblinded, single centre, randomized controlled trial, within and
between group study design.
Postlingually deafened, bilateral hearing aid users (n = 30) will be recruited for the study. The
participants will be randomly assigned to three groups.
1. Will receive standard rehabilitation counselling
2. Will complete 10-weeks of computerised auditory training
3. Will complete 10 weeks of computerised auditory and cognitive training
Pre-and post-training measures: The participants will complete a test battery consist of speech
perception in noise and cognitive assessments. The participants will be tested on the above
mentioned tests immediately before and after receiving the treatment.
Results: Pre-to-post-test improvement within each participant group and between participant
groups will be investigated.
Project type: Masters/PhD thesis project for psychology, speech therapy, audiology or
neuroscience undergraduates.
Project 3: Music perception and cognition in hearing impaired participants
Background: Hearing impaired participants report dissatisfaction with music perception
after receiving either cochlear implants and/or hearing aids. Even though limitations in
technology of not transmitting spectral and temporal cues important for music perception
play a significant role in poor music perception skills of hearing aid and cochlear implant
recipients, cognitive decline associated with the hearing loss reported to be linked to these
poor music perception skills.
Objectives: To identify the cognitive skills that are important for music perception.
Methods: 20 first time hearing aid candidates and cochlear implant candidates will be
recruited for the study. The participants will complete a music perception and computerised
cognitive assessment test battery pre and post-hearing aid or cochlear implantation.
Results: Pre-to-post-test improvement within each participant group and between participant
groups will be investigated.
Project type: Two Honours/Masters projects suitable for psychology, speech therapy, or
neuroscience undergraduates.
Project 4: Development of minimum auditory abilities test battery.
Background: A variety of speech perception tests have been used to evaluate the pre-to –
post implantation improvements in cochlear implant recipients. However, as these tests are
language specific, none of these tests cannot be used to compare the outcomes of cochlear
implant recipients across languages.
Objectives: To develop a non-speech test battery that measures the changes in pitch, timbre,
loudness and rhythm skills of cochlear implant recipients.
Methods: This study will be conducted in two phases: (i) development of the non-speech test
battery and (ii) validation of the test battery on participants with normal hearing and hearing
loss.
Results: Test-retest reliability, sensitivity, specificity, of the test battery will be measured.
Project type: Two Honours/Masters projects- suitable for psychology, speech therapy or
neuroscience undergraduates.
-------------For any information about the above projects, please contact:
Associate Professor Bob Mead – Murdoch University
School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Email: R.Mead@murdoch.edu.au | Tel: 9360 2736
Or
Dr Dona Jayakody – University of Western Australia
Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery
Email: dona.jayakody@earscience.org.au | Tel: 6380 4925