Beneficiary: Oticon, Denmark

For children with hearing impairment, the learning novel words via auditory input is constrained by the limited acoustic information received, culminating in the need for more effort to identify and learn new vocabulary. This project goal is to provide more knowledge on how phonological perception modulates the detection and learning of novel words, the impact of the sound degradation in the learning process, and how working memory can mediate auditory learning. The studies include both adults and children in conditions of simulated hearing difficulties and real hearing aid / cochlear implant users. Self-assessment, behavioural and objective measures (pupillometry) are integrated to give a broader understanding of the allocation of the cognitive resources, highlighting group difficulties and needs. The findings will help guiding future rehabilitation and educational strategies for this population.

Supervisors: François Patou, Elaine Ng, Kathleen Faulkner and Björn Lyxell

ESR 8: Julia Chiossi