We'd like your feedback
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us improve the quality of the study information on this site. Please answer both questions.
Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.
Dr
Deborah
Vickers
+44 (0)1223760683
dav1000@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Dr
Deborah
Vickers
+44 (0)1223760683
dav1000@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Ms
Liz
Arram
+44 (0)20 3108 8059
cctu.bears@ucl.ac.uk
More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.
Speech-in-Noise outcomes in older children and teenagers with bilateral cochlear implants
This information is provided directly by researchers and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information.
Deafness is the most frequent human sensory deficit. Cochlear implantation is the primary intervention. Currently, over 6000 people have bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) in the UK, and most of these are children. Two implants are supposed to provide better access to sound, but it is challenging to interpret and integrate what is heard from both sides. The 'Living with cochlear implants' Patient and Public Involvement group reported that everyday communication is challenging and tiring, with extra effort required to integrate information from two ears, especially in noise. They reported that current rehabilitation techniques are not engaging, or appropriate to their lifestyles. To address these issues, researchers have developed a set of virtual reality games called BEARS (Both EARS). BEARS trains sound localisation and listening in noise. These are skills required in everyday listening. The aim of this study is to determine whether using the directional listening training delivered through the BEARS training package for 3 months alongside usual care compared to only receiving usual care improves speech-in-noise perception, hearing experiences, vocabulary and quality of life and reduces listening effort in young people between 8-16 years old (inclusive) with two CIs. The study will be carried out in clinical CI departments in NHS or University hospitals.
Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.
The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:
You can take part if:
You may not be able to take part if:
Current exclusion criteria as of 02/12/2024:1. Participant (or parent/legal representative) does not speak/understand English sufficiently to undertake assessments2. Participant has an intellectual disability at a level that would prevent their ability to understand the trial the intervention or assessment questions3. Participant has a comorbid condition impacting ability to participate in intervention and/or outcome assessment4. Participant has an audiological profile impacting ability to participate in intervention and/or outcome assessments5. Participant is actively participating in other trials that may affect hearing outcomes or impact their ability to participate in the intervention6. Participant is currently or anticipated to receive treatment and/or intervention that may affect hearing outcomes or adapt implant settings/programming7. Participant is refusing to consent to trial activities/protocol8. Participant is awaiting reimplantation following device failure or infection9. Participant is a non-user of one or both implant processors (i.e., must use both processors for a minimum of 6 hours per day over a month)10. Participant is a full-time boarder at a boarding school11. Participant has unresolvable issues found in device checks that render one of the implants unusable12. Participant is a female that is pregnant13. Participant has a diagnosis of epilepsy or history of seizures of any kind
Previous exclusion criteria:1. Participant (or parent/legal representative) does not speak/understand English sufficiently to undertake assessments2. Participant has an intellectual disability at a level that would prevent their ability to understand the trial the intervention or assessment questions3. Participant has a comorbid condition impacting ability to participate in intervention and/or outcome assessment4. Participant has an audiological profile impacting ability to participate in intervention and/or outcome assessments5. Participant is actively participating in other trials that may affect hearing outcomes or impact their ability to participate in the intervention6. Participant is currently or anticipated to receive treatment and/or intervention that may affect hearing outcomes or adapt implant settings/programming7. Participant is refusing to consent to trial activities/protocol8. Participant is awaiting reimplantation following device failure or infection9. Participant has had any changes to the programmes of either CI within the last 4 weeks10. Participant has had a change of CI processor model or upgrade within the last 4 weeks11. Participant is a non-user of one or both implant processors (i.e., must use both processors for a minimum of 6 hours per day over a month)12. Participant is a full-time boarder at a boarding school13. Participant has unresolvable issues found in device checks that render one of the implants unusable14. Participant is a female that is pregnant15. Participant has a diagnosis of epilepsy or history of seizures of any kind
Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.
Ms
Liz
Arram
+44 (0)20 3108 8059
cctu.bears@ucl.ac.uk
Dr
Deborah
Vickers
+44 (0)1223760683
dav1000@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Dr
Deborah
Vickers
+44 (0)1223760683
dav1000@medschl.cam.ac.uk
More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.
The study is sponsored by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us improve the quality of the study information on this site. Please answer both questions.
Or CPMS 55521
You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.
