Auditory Training Study
Online Study | Ages 18-30 | Ages 60-85
Help Advance Hearing Research
Understanding speech in noisy environments can become more difficult as we age, even for people with otherwise healthy hearing. Researchers at the Brain Game Center at Northeastern University and Oregon Health & Science University are studying how auditory training and individual differences influence hearing, attention, memory, and other cognitive abilities.
By participating, you’ll help researchers better understand how different approaches to auditory training may support listening and cognition across adulthood.
About the Study
This is a fully remote research study, allowing participants to complete all study activities from home. The Brain Game Center will provide any equipment and study materials needed to participate, including a tablet if required.
The study involves completing questionnaires, hearing assessments, and computerized listening and cognitive tasks over the course of several weeks. Some participants will also complete an auditory training program between assessment sessions.
The study seeks to understand how auditory training influences listening performance and cognitive functioning. While this research may help improve future auditory training programs, the effectiveness of the different training approaches is still being investigated.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you…
- Are 18-30 years old OR 60-85 years old
- vAre fluent in English or Spanish
- Have no self-reported auditory difficulties
- Have normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity
- Have no more than typical hearing loss for your age
- Currently live in the US
What to Expect
If you’re eligible and choose to participate, you will first complete a brief screening by phone or video call to determine whether the study is a good fit for you.
During the study, participants will complete:
- Questionnaires about topics such as health, lifestyle, and well-being
- Hearing assessments
- Computerized tasks that measure attention, memory, and listening abilities
- Multiple assessment sessions conducted remotely by Zoom or phone
Some participants will also complete independent auditory training sessions using a tablet provided by the research team. These activities involve listening to sounds and responding through an interactive application that is similar to playing a computer or mobile game.
Assignment to study groups is random, and participants cannot choose which group they are assigned to.
Study Timeline
The study includes several assessment sessions spread across approximately 2–3 months.
Depending on your assigned study group, participation may include:
- A brief eligibility screening
- Seven assessment sessions lasting up to 60 minutes each
- Up to 30 independent training sessions lasting about 40 minutes each
- A follow-up assessment approximately one month after the final testing session
Training sessions are completed at your own pace (up to one session per day), with most participants completing 3–5 sessions each week.
No single day requires more than approximately two hours of participation.
Compensation
For full completion of the study, participants are compensated $50 – $250 via an Amazon gift card depending on your randomly assigned study condition and the number of sessions you are asked to complete.
Interested in Participating or Learning More?
Fill out our interest form below, and we will be in touch!