Dr D Hoare, Dr K Fackrell, Dr Johanna Barry
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Hyperacusis is the increased sensitivity to and intolerance of ordinary environmental sounds. In most cases there is no clear cause but it has been associated with conditions involving the peripheral auditory system, diseases and syndromes of central nervous system, and hormonal and infectious diseases. Clinically, what is important to measure are the effects the experience of hyperacusis have on the person. In children, clinical reports suggest those who are troubled by hyperacusis can have social, emotional or behavioural issues. A number of clinical questionnaires exist for use with adults, but there are currently none in existence or appropriate for use in children. We cannot therefore reliably measure the impact of hyperacusis on a child’s health-related quality of life, or measure improvement or indeed detriment related to different clinical or experimental treatments or therapies.
This PhD project brings together hyperacusis, child health, clinical questionnaire, and measurement science. The aim is to create a valid multi-item questionnaire measure of hyperacusis-specific health-related quality of life in children for use in clinical practice and research. Established methods in questionnaire development will be used. Focus groups and interviews with children who have hyperacusis, their parents, and clinicians will identify key domains of hyperacusis problems in children. This, together with a systematic review of the paediatric literature will inform the development of a pilot questionnaire. Psychometric techniques will be applied to assess properties of the new questionnaire before evaluating it for use in paediatric clinical settings.
The successful applicant will join a vibrant research group and benefit from strong supervisory and peer support.
Funding Notes
The studentship is available on a full time or part time (0.6) basis starting January 2018. Interview will be held on the 26-27th October 2017.
You should have or expect to obtain a first class or upper 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent), or an MSc/MA, in psychology, audiology or other relevant scientific discipline. An interest in psychometric techniques and research experience in psychology or audiology, and of working with children, will be of particular advantage. You will have excellent communication and team-working skills, be self-driven and highly motivated.
References
Applications should include a CV and covering letter including the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addressed of two referees including at least one academic referee. Application should be sent to derek.hoare@nottingham.ac.uk
You should also be eligible to apply for relevant research clearances that will be required including a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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