Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Help Improve Communication and Wellbeing for Adults with Hearing Loss

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Are you an adult with hearing loss or a family member/friend of an adult with hearing loss?

Would you like to make a real difference to future hearing support programs?

Join a new research study at The University of Queensland, trialling innovative group programs designed to improve communication skills, social connection, and emotional wellbeing for adults with hearing loss.

Take part in an engaging group program at UQ St Lucia campus and help shape the future of hearing rehabilitation services.
Every participant plays a vital role in advancing research to better support individuals and families impacted by hearing loss.

About the Study

The University of Queensland is testing three different group programs aimed at improving communication for adults with hearing loss. All programs are active and practical, teaching strategies and skills you can use in everyday life.

As part of the study, you will be randomly assigned to one of the group programs. To help maintain research quality, you will not be told in advance which program you are in.

  • Up to four group sessions (each session about 2 hours)
  • Sessions held once weekly at UQ St Lucia Campus (free parking available)
  • Programs welcome adults with hearing loss and their family members or friends
  • All programs are free to attend (usually there is a fee for the programs)
  • At the end of the study, participants who attended the existing program will be offered the opportunity to complete one of the new programs if they wish

What’s Involved?

  • Attend up to four group sessions at UQ St Lucia (about 2 hours per session)
  • Complete a few short questionnaires before and after the group program, and again 3 months later
  • No special preparation is needed – just bring yourself and your experiences!

Eligibility 

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are over 50 years of age and have experienced hearing difficulties later in life (whether or not you wear hearing aids), or
  • Are over 18 years of age and are a family member or close friend of an adult with hearing loss
  • Have sufficient English skills to comfortably participate in a group discussion
  • No diagnosed or suspected cognitive difficulties 

Participant benefits

  • Receive practical strategies and support for improving communication and connection
  • Help contribute to world-leading research to support adults with hearing loss
  • Receive a $25 Coles-Myer gift voucher as a thank you for your time

Register your interest

To register your interest for the study email Jasmine Foley: jasmine.foley@uq.edu.au

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2023/HE000292].