Using health behavioural change approaches to predict and encourage hearing aid uptake and adherence in adults with age-related hearing loss

The objective of this Phonak funded 3-year PhD project is to develop clinical tools supporting the uptake and long-term usage of hearing aids in adults. The studentship provides full support for tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at RCUK rates (£13, 863). Due to commence October 2014, the project is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.

It is estimated that around 6 million adults in the UK have an age-related hearing loss and could benefit from intervention. Hearing loss is an important public health problem, impacting upon a range of activities that often result in social withdrawal, isolation and depression. There is a well-known association between hearing loss and cognitive decline.

Acoustic hearing aids are the primary treatment for permanent hearing loss yet uptake is poor. Around 4m adults could benefit from using a hearing aid, but do not have one. Those that do seek help usually do so after a delay of around 10-15 years. This lack of motivation and advancing age contribute to poor adaptation to the device - patient benefit is highly variable and up to 25% of hearing aids are reported unused.

Hearing healthcare professions primarily address low uptake and low long-term adherence using direct persuasion, but to date these interventions have failed to bring about behaviour change. An emerging evidence base suggests that theory-based interventions that explicitly include behaviour change techniques are more effective.

The aims of the PhD are to develop clinical tools that reliably predict uptake of intervention, long-term treatment adherence and provide appropriate, individualised intervention strategies. To achieve this, an initial survey of predictors of hearing aid uptake and review of current techniques encouraging usage will be conducted. A pilot screening tool and randomised controlled trial intervention will then follow based on health behavioural change approaches.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Audiology and Deafness (A&D) Group, one of the largest academic audiology/hearing science groups in the UK. Training will be extensive, and cover areas such as auditory assessment/management and behavioural change approaches. The training obtained will prepare the successful candidate for a research or patient-focused career in audiology/hearing science or health psychology.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in audiology, psychology, neuroscience or cognate discipline. A Masters qualification in a related area or minimum two years professional/research experience would be an advantage.

Please direct applications in the following format to Daniel Owens ([Email Address Removed]):

- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- Contact details for two suitable referees
- A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Professor Kevin Munro ([Email Address Removed]).

Applications are invited up to and including Friday 30 May 2014.

http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/staff/106712
http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/staff/157365
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/mhs-graduate-school/
http://www.phonak.com/

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