Dear colleagues,
The Hearing Industry Research Consortium (IRC) announces its 2018 Request for Proposals (RFP) for research on stigma-related factors influencing the uptake of hearing aids.
While many people would benefit from hearing instruments, uptake is still low, especially among those with milder forms of audiometric hearing loss. Among the factors that hinder uptake of hearing aids, the stigma associated with hearing aids is an important one. The purpose of this RFP is to stimulate research on the stigma related to hearing loss and hearing instruments. This research should deepen understanding of the psychological factors hindering people with hearing impairment to seek help and especially to develop approaches to help overcome this hurdle.
The funding pool for this RFP is 300,000 US Dollars, and the time period for execution of projects under this RFP is 2-3 years from 1st January 2019. Proposals for projects of two years duration are preferred. It is envisaged that one or two project proposals will be funded.
Detailed descriptions of the application procedure, the guidelines for research under this scheme, and the proposed research area can be downloaded (http://rfp.hearingirc.com) and also found on the IRC website (http://hearingirc.com). The deadline for submission is August 18, 2018.
Questions can be sent to any of the IRC members listed on the website or using the Contact Form on the website.
The Hearing Industry Research Consortium (IRC) is made up of the heads of research from the top hearing aid manufacturers in the world, which include GN ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Sivantos, Starkey Hearing Technologies and Widex. The IRC was created to have a non-competitive, mutually agreed upon research agenda benefiting the hearing aid industry, its customers and end users. For more information about the Hearing Industry Research Consortium, visit www.hearingirc.com.
Sridhar Kalluri, 2017-2018 Chair of the IRC