Severe to profound hearing loss and sleep quality.

Hearing loss affects approximately 1 in 6 individuals in the UK. There is growing evidence suggesting that individuals with hearing loss experience are more likely to experience reduced sleep quality to normally hearing peers. A potential cause for this association is that living with a hearing loss causes high levels of anxiety or stress, which in turn can affect sleep quality. <br />

<p>As sleep plays an important role in physical and mental health, and given the high prevalence of hearing loss, further investigations are warranted in order to better understand this association. Further, it is possible that an as yet undescribed benefit of interventions for hearing loss, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants (CIs), is improvement in sleep quality (and subsequently improved mental and physical health outcomes). Any positive effects will be useful in informing ongoing debates on CI candidacy.</p> <p>This PhD project aims to describe sleep behaviours and experiences in patients with severe to profound hearing loss referred for cochlear implants. It will also investigate whether successful use of CIs lead to improvements in sleep quality. A range of methodologies could be employed including self-report and objective measures of sleep quality. You will be expected to design and implement primary data collection (following obtaining appropriate ethical approval) and analyse and interpret a range of different data types.</p> <p><strong>References:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/">https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/</a></p> <p>Kim, S.Y., Kim, H.-J., Kim, M.-S., Park, B., Kim, J.-H., Choi, H.G., 2017. Discrepancy between self-assessed hearing status and measured audiometric evaluation. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0182718</p> <p>Jansson-Frojmark, M., Linton, S.J., Flink, I.K., Granberg, S., Danermark, B., Norell-Clarke, A., 2012. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia co-morbid with hearing impairment: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 19, 224&ndash;234.</p>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme&rsquo;s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul>

A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum requirements for this programme in IELTS and TOEFL tests are: &bull; British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 &bull; TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School<br /> e:<a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p>