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Applications are invited for the above studentship based in the Scottish Section of the University of Nottingham’s Hearing
Sciences department, located in Glasgow. This is a thriving centre of research into how people use their hearing, how hearing loss affects them, and how new technologies might help. This project is sponsored by and in collaboration with WS Audiology, a leading
hearing device manufacturer. The student will have the opportunity to undertake a short secondment to their research lab in Stockholm.
Project description: Human beings are social creatures, relying on communication to survive and thrive. When someone develops hearing loss, they not only experience
increased difficulty in conversations, but they often experience other far-reaching consequences that impact the ability and willingness to participate socially. For some, the hindered social participation will culminate in loneliness and isolation, with major
implications for well-being. This studentship will seek to be part of the solution. The studentship will first establish a working definition of social participation by way of an in-depth literature review. Following this, a series
of studies utilising techniques such as ecological momentary assessment and social network analysis will
investigate various interlinked aspects of social participation for people with hearing loss, including the role and judgement of key communication partners. The studentship
will include a longitudinal study involving interaction with participants throughout their hearing healthcare journey.
In doing so the research will be of clinical relevance, and it is hoped that results from the research will lead to clinical impact in the long term.
The overall aim of this project is to understand how hearing loss and hearing aids impact social participation in greater detail than previously possible and identify where there
are suboptimal social behaviours and network factors that are resistant to change. The Offer This is a fully funded studentship for 48 months to commence in February 2024 or soon thereafter, with tuition fees paid, and a full tax-free stipend
commensurate with the RCUK rate (currently £18,622 per annum). This project is based in Hearing Sciences – Scottish Section (Glasgow), and will provide training in audiological assessments, analysis methods, and social network analysis. Candidate Requirements
Applicants must meet criteria to achieve a UK student visa and have at least a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Psychology, Hearing Sciences or a related subject (relevant Master's
degree will be an advantage). We are looking for a strong background in research methods and a keen interest in person-centred approaches.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to supervisors Dr Jack Holman (jack.holman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
or Prof. Graham Naylor (graham.naylor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx). To apply, candidates should send their CV and a cover letter detailing how their experience is relevant to the proposed project to
jack.holman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Deadline 8th December 2023. Graham Naylor School of Medicine |