About the project
Dementia impairs cognitive ability and currently affects 55 million people worldwide. Hearing loss is the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia. The underlying mechanisms of the well-established association between hearing loss and cognitive decline remain unclear.
The confounding effects of hearing loss with aging are partly responsible for that. Moreover, Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) is often presumed to impair cognition, largely due to the high association between hearing loss and tinnitus. In a recent study, we identified that tinnitus in age-related hearing loss is associated with better cognitive performance.
In the first part of this project, we aim to further assess the interaction of tinnitus with cognition in age-related hearing loss in a large population exploring potential factors that modify the association.
In the second part of the project, we will focus on a potential auditory electrophysiological biomarker of dementia (features extracted from the electroencephalogram [EEG] of the patients). The biomarker has been tested in a large diverse population.
In the current project, we aim to validate the utility of the biomarker in the target population of dementia and other clinically relevant populations such as those with Auditory Processing Disorders and Aphasia.
Such a biomarker is needed for the early detection and monitoring of cognitive impairment, early intervention, and improved patient outcomes.
Various research methods will be used including behavioral, psychophysical, electrophysiological, and modeling approaches – depending on student background and research needs.
Our test population is diverse and will range from young adults to the older population with or without cognitive impairments.
Research environment:
The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) is a globally recognized centre for the study of sound and vibration. By joining our motivated team, you’ll be involved in an international, interdisciplinary, and motivated research team including a collaboration with the Hearing and Speech Lab at the University of California Irvine. As part of our research activities, you will be encouraged to participate in international academic conferences to present and discuss your research.
Entry requirements
- audiology
- hearing science
- neuroscience
- medicine
- engineering with experience or a keen interest in biomedical applications.
You must also have an interest in clinically based research.
Ideally you’ll have
- experience in computer programming (especially Matlab)
- experience in signal processing.
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and EU students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.
To learn about funding opportunities for UK and international students visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.
Apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. The position will be filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- choose ‘PhD Eng & Env (Full time)’ on the next page
- insert the name of the supervisor Professor Yasmeen Hamza in section 2 of the application form
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 reference letters
- degree transcripts/certificates to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, email the supervisor Professor Yasmeen Hamza: y.hamza@soton.ac.uk
