PhD Studentship: The Association between Hearing and Cognition

Supervisory Team: Yasmeen Hamza and David Simpson

PhD Supervisor: Yasmeen Hamza

Project description:

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 (features extracted from the electroencephalogram [EEG] of the patients) of dementia. 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.

For a successful application, you should possess an interest in clinically based research with a preferred background in Audiology, Hearing Science, Neuroscience, Medicine, or a related clinical discipline. Applicants from engineering with experience or a keen interest in biomedical applications are also welcome. Experience in computer programming (especially Matlab) and signal processing is an advantage. 

Research Environment:

The 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.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact:

Dr. Yasmeen Hamza, Email: (y.hamza@soton.ac.uk).

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 October 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: For UK and EU students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £19,237 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply onlineby clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD PhD Eng & Env (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisorYasmeen Hamza.

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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