RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

As hearing gets worse with age it can become difficult to understand what a person is saying when there is a lot of background noise such as at a party, in a busy restaurant or bar. This is known as the cocktail party syndrome.

We're supporting a student scientist who is researching this problem. Pádraig Kitterick from the University of York is testing people's ability to hear speech when there are many other voices in the background. This research will help us to understand the factors that make a difference to a person's ability to hear, such as:

  • whether the speaker is positioned at the side or in front of the listener 
  • whether it is a male or female voice  
  • if the speaker starts at the same time as someone else.

The researchers will also learn which part of the brain is processing different types of information. This will help with the development of exercises aimed to help people deal with cocktail party syndrome. Understanding which parts of the brain are involved will also allow researchers to focus their research and could lead to a treatment.

If you are aged between 50 and 80 and would like to take part in this research, contact Pádraig:

Telephone 01904 433170
Email p.kitterick@psychology.york.ac.uk.

Volunteers will be paid £5 an hour and any travel costs.