The sentient hearing aid: engineering a symbiotic link between mind and machine

This PhD position at the University of Southampton, supervised by Professor Stefan Bleeck and David Simpson, investigates the phenomenon of 'hidden hearing loss,' a condition affecting millions of individuals who experience difficulty in listening despite having normal hearing thresholds. The project builds on pilot data from the lab that reveals a disconnect between the brain's effort and actual listening success, suggesting that traditional hearing tests may not capture the full extent of auditory processing challenges. The research will likely involve interdisciplinary approaches, combining auditory neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychology to understand the mechanisms underlying hidden hearing loss and its impact on daily communication. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment focused on advancing knowledge in hearing impairment, brain effort, and auditory processing. Funding details and specific entry requirements are not provided in the current description. Interested applicants should monitor the University of Southampton's application portal for updates and further instructions.