Hearing loss is a major public health issue affecting at least 1.5 billion people globally (including 12 million people in the UK). Hearing loss is more common with age such that nearly two-thirds of adults over the age of 70 have some form of hearing loss. Hearing loss is associated with poorer communication, cognitive, mental, and social outcomes in older adults. In the UK, people with hearing loss can obtain hearing aids from an audiologist; either through the NHS (in which the devices are provided at no cost to the recipient) or privately. Yet hearing technology remains vastly underutilized: The Worldwide Health Organisation estimates that 83% of people who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them. Additionally, it takes on average almost a decade for someone with hearing loss to seek out hearing care. Barriers to hearing care uptake are multifaceted but can include cost; a lack of understanding and awareness of hearing loss and interventions for hearing loss; accessibility and availability of hearing care services; and limitations or perceived limitations of hearing technology. This PhD will consider barriers to hearing technology use and hearing health care uptake, explore how different groups experience access to hearing health care and support for hearing technology use and consider how digital approaches (e.g., devices; telehealth; electronic data; big data; artificial intelligence etc.) can be harnessed to address barriers and inequalities in hearing technology use and hearing care uptake. There is flexibility for the project to focus on aspects of interest to the successful candidate’s research and career aspirations.
The successful applicant will be based in the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University within the new Health Technology, Innovation and Assessment research team, but will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues in the other Schools at Napier.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2:1) ideally in a related field such as health science/psychology/health technology/audiology with a good fundamental knowledge of research methods and analysis.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
· Experience of health-related research
· Competent in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research design and analysis
· Knowledge of technology in healthcare, practice and/or policy
· Good written and oral communication skills
· Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
· Good time management
Desirable attributes:
A Masters qualification in a related subject
Practice, policy, or research experience in a healthcare field
Knowledge of hearing loss and the UK hearing technology landscape
Qualification in audiology
When applying please quote the application reference SHSC0035 on your form.
Application checklist:
Completed application form
CV
2 academic references using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (found on the application process page)
A research proposal (max two pages) outlining your research interest in this PhD to include (a) Research Objectives, and (b) Proposed Research Methodology
A cover letter to include (a) brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of what you would bring to the project, (c) a statement of how this PhD project fits with your future career goals
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