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, 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 during the rehabilitation period. To participate in this study, you must be 18 years or older and either scheduled for a cochlear implantation or awaiting cochlear implant activation. Volunteers will be provided with a free Spotify Premium account, then asked to extract their listening data from Spotify every month for six months. These tasks will take about 30 minutes to complete. All study activities are completed remotely.  Please email brooke.barry@ucsf.edu if you would like to participate in this study. 

Music Perception Study

This study examines differences in music perception abilities among individuals using different types of assistive hearing devices. We are recruiting individuals ages 18 or above with bilateral (both ears) cochlear implants, bilateral hearing aids, or bimodal hearing aid and cochlear implant use. During this study, you will complete several activities: a quick survey, and music-listening tasks. These tasks will take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and can usually be done in one visit. Parking will be reimbursed, and you will be compensated $15/per hour, with a maximum of $75. This study will be conducted at the UCSF Parnassus campus. Please email emmeline.lin@ucsf.edu if you would like to participate in this study.

Hearing Loss & Cognition Study

This study examines how cognitive factors predict complex sound perception 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 Boost Study

Music perception can be challenging for cochlear implant (CI) users, but what if we could make it better? This study explores how specific vocal enhancements in music can change the listening experience, helping us pinpoint what makes the biggest difference in sound quality. The results could help guide the development of new sound processing strategies designed specifically for music. We are recruiting adult CI users (18 years or older) for a 30-minute online study. Participation involves listening to short music clips from the comfort of your home and providing feedback through a survey. Please take this survey if you are interested in participating: https://ucsf.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ShzoglbjI3DvlY. If you have any questions, please email Stephanie Younan at stephanie.younan@ucsf.edu.