BEARS Validation V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Both EARS training package (BEARS) to maximise hearing abilities in older children and teenage bilateral cochlear implant users: Validation of outcome measures
IRAS ID
300598
Contact name
Dan Jiang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Deafness is the most frequent human sensory deficit. Cochlear implantation is the primary intervention. Currently 4340 people are with bilateral Cochlear Implants (CIs) in the UK, mostly children.
Two implants are supposed to provide better access to sound, but it is challenging to interpret and integrate what is heard from both sides. Our ‘Living with Cochlear Implants’ PPI group reported that everyday communication is challenging and tiring, with extra effort required to integrate information from two ears, especially in noise. They reported that current rehabilitation techniques are not engaging, unfit to their lifestyles.
To address these issues, we are developing a set of computer games called BEARS (Both EARS). BEARS trains sound localisation and listening in noise -- skills required in everyday listening. The project is based on the brain learning theory in which brain can extract sound information from the implants through training. A full clinical trial will take place to evaluate if the BEARS package leads to improvements in everyday listening for bilateral implant users.
In preparation for the trial, we need to validate two outcome measures to be used in the trial.
Part-1: To validate new ‘Spatial-Speech-in-Noise Virtual Acoustics’ and ‘Spatial BKB’ hearing tests. The process will include establishing age-appropriate normal hearing ranges. We will test 36 bilateral CI users (8+ years old) and 24-48 normal-hearing controls (aged 8-16 years). Each test session takes about 120 mins with 30 mins break.
Part-2: To validate the York Binaural Hearing Related Quality of Life questionnaire (YBHRQL) for use in young people (YBHRQL-Y) and to develop a scoring formula and instructions for the YBHRQL-Y. 60 children aged between 8 to 16 years old with a hearing loss will complete questionnaires, and interviews will be conducted with 150 young adults (18-24 years).
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0018
Date of REC Opinion
1 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion