Health & Wellness - UMN SONIC and TESS Lab: Hearing and Tinnitus Research Study
Volunteers Needed for Hearing and Tinnitus Research Study
The University of Minnesota’s Sensory Optimization and Neural Implant Coding (SONIC) and the Transitional Energy Stimulation Sensing (TESS) Lab are dedicated to translational research that leads to improvements in medical technologies for individuals with hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain.
Researchers at the SONIC and TESS Lab are investigating sound perception and brain activation effects in response to paired non-invasive electrical stimulation of surface body regions (e.g. the outer ear, neck, back, hand, forearm, and leg) and sound stimulation. This is a research study.
Volunteer Eligibility:
- Volunteers need to be 18+ years of age
- Volunteers should not currently be using hearing aids or implanted devices
- Volunteers will need to complete an initial pre-screening survey to determine eligibility.
Details of Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will complete at least five study visits, each lasting up to 3 hours.
During visits, volunteers will:
- Complete hearing tests, in which one needs to make decisions about the sounds they hear, or one’s brain activity will be recorded through sticker electroencephalogram electrodes during listening;
- Receive non-invasive electrical stimulation paired with sounds for approximately 30 minutes at each visit;
- Fill out surveys and questionnaires on their heating or tinnitus status.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
Dates and times will be scheduled based on volunteer and research team availability. The study will take place in the TESS Lab, located at 8-304B Phillips-Wangenstein Building, 516 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Volunteer Compensation: For each study visit, volunteers will receive $20 per hour. Payment will be sent after the completion of the study.
Physical Expectations: Volunteers should be physically present in the research study building.
What to wear: Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing. All volunteers will be reminded NOT to wear earrings on the days of electrical stimulation.
Parking/Transportation: Parking will be compensated with an amount of $10 per visit.
To register click on the following link: SONIC Sound Perception and Brain Activation Study
*Please indicate at registration whether you are a URVC/UMRA volunteer.
