PEOPLE aged 65 and over with mild to moderate hearing loss are needed for a research study to improve hearing and mood.

The Ear Science Institute Australia and University of Western Australia (UWA) are conducting the study to determine whether hearing amplification using personal amplification devices (hearables), together with a behaviour activation program, could improve mood and social participation.

Led by Dr Dona Jayakody (ear science) and Dr Andrew Ford (Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, UWA), the research team is looking for older people who are experiencing hearing loss that affects their daily lives and contributes to low moods.

Hearables are personal amplification devices (like wireless ear buds) that fit inside the ear and amplify sounds through a smartphone app.

They are popular with people who have mild hearing loss and want to improve their hearing in certain situations.

“Hearing loss can adversely affect someone’s quality of life and contribute to feelings of loneliness, social isolation and even depression,” Dr Ford said.

“Our behavioural activation program focuses on reducing the social isolation and mental distress that is commonly associated with hearing loss.”

The trial is over a six-month period with participants randomly appointed to one of four groups.

All participants will be gifted a hearable device worth $500 during the trial.

The research study has been made possible thanks to a grant of $600,000 from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

To register your interest search ‘ear science hearables and behaviour study’ or contact research team coordinator Matthew Zimmermann on 0476 987 837.