Participate in Research

The National Centre for Audiology (NCA) recruits people of all ages and hearing abilities for our research studies. We would love to meet you and share some of our current opportunities to participate in research. Here are some examples of the various studies in which our participants have been involved:

  • Field testing hearing aids at home
  • Judging the sound quality of hearing aids in the lab
  • Completing hearing tests on different types of equipment
  • Completing speech testing in noise and in reverberation
  • Localizing sounds in quiet and in reverberation
  • Listening to sounds while brain activity is measured (in some studies you can take a nap)

Some labs have databases of listeners who are willing to be in a future study. When a new study comes along, we look through the database and contact those who would be appropriate candidates. When we contact you, we let you know what the study is about, how much of a time commitment the project would take, and what we would ask you to do. Participants can decline to enroll in any study that does not interest them. They can also request to be removed from the database at any time.

When you come in to run a study, you are compensated for your time. We also cover your parking. If you are in need of a hearing aid, we suggest that you see a clinical audiologist in the community as we cannot guarantee you will be put in a hearing aid field trial.

If you are interested, the first step is to make an appointment where a registered audiologist will take a case history and test your hearing. The appointment takes about 45 minutes. You can arrange an appointment by emailing folkeard@nca.uwo.ca or by calling: 519-661-2111 ext 88936.

Directions

The NCA is located in Elborn College at 1201 Western Road at Western University. Elborn College is located at the northwest corner of Western and Sarnia Road.

Parking

  • Reserved and accessible parking spaces are available on the south and northeast sides of Elborn College (click here to view a map)
  • All designated parking spaces are clearly marked with signs indicating they are RESERVED for Speech and Hearing Clinic research participants
  • All visitors to the Clinic should park in one of the reserved spots
  • Vehicles parked in reserved spots much display a valid permit on the dashboard
  • Vehicles parked in reserved spots without permits will be ticketed