Active Research Studies 

Personalized Cochlear Implant Maps Study

This research study develops personalized programming maps to improve speech and music perception in cochlear implant users. We are recruiting Advanced Bionics cochlear implant users who is 7 years of age or older. Participation involves coming to the UCSF Parnassus, Mt. Zion, Redwood Shores, Santa Rosa, San Jose, or Berkeley campuses where we will create a personalized programming map based on your individual hearing history and status. You will listen to some sounds and music using this personalized map and provide your feedback. Each visit takes 2 to 3 hours and the study involves 3 to 4 visits. We pay $75 per visit, provide snacks, and compensate for parking costs. Please email brooke.barry@ucsf.edu if you would like to participate in this study. 

Music Listening Preferences Study

This study seeks to examine music listening preferences in cochlear implant users. To participate in this study, you must be 18 years or older and a cochlear implantation candidate with plans to pursue cochlear implant surgery. Participants will be asked to extract their listening data from Spotify and then fill out two quick surveys. These tasks will take about 30 minutes to complete. Participants will be provided a Spotify Premium account. All study activities are completed remotely. Please email brooke.barry@ucsf.edu if you would like to participate in this study.  

Hearing Loss & Cognition Study

This study examines how cognitive factors predict performance in the year after cochlear implantation. We are recruiting individuals aged 18 years and above scheduled to receive a standard array cochlear implant. During this study, you will complete several activities after your already scheduled, standard cochlear implant appointments with your doctor or audiologist: a quick survey, a couple of short cognitive tests, and complex sound-listening tasks. These tasks will take around 1 hour to complete after you finish your first 4 clinical appointments. Parking will be reimbursed, and you will be compensated $25/per hour. Please email lourdes.kaufman@ucsf.edu if you would like to participate in this study.  

Vocal Experience and Hearing study 

This study examines how people with and without singing experience hear and sing different sounds. We are interested in adults 18-45, both trained singers (with at least 4 years of formal vocal training or a degree in vocal performance) and people without formal music training. During the study, participants will wear headphones and complete a few simple singing tasks, such as repeating single notes and short melodies. The session will take place on the UCSF campus and will last about one hour. Participants will be paid $15/per hour, and parking will be reimbursed. If you are interested in participating, please email Sarah.Martin2@ucsf.edu 

EEG and Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation Study

This study examines how the brain adapts during the early months after cochlear implantation in adults with single-sided deafness. We are recruiting adults who have recently received a cochlear implant in one ear while retaining normal hearing in the other. Participants will complete two EEG recording sessions (at 1 and 3 months after implant activation) and listening tasks during each visit. Sessions take place at the UCSF campus and last approximately 60–75 minutes. Participants will be paid $25/per hour, and parking will be reimbursed. Please email stephanie.younan@ucsf.edu if you would like to participate in this study.