The launch of the research project BEARS (Both Ears Training package) at the University of Southampton has been a huge success. We are now part of the National Research project looking at how an interactive virtual reality package of games can help children and young people to hear better with their cochlear implants.  There is a lot of available research showing that sound localisation as well as speech understanding in noise and music listening can be improved with training. The National Institute for Hearing Research (NIHR) have developed a package of Virtual-Reality games (BEARS) for children with bilateral cochlear implants. 

We are looking for volunteers to take part in the study and those eligible are able to trial the VOR headsets to play the games at home for 3 months to see if this improves listening skills.

If your child is between the age of 8 and 16 years and would be interested in taking part please contact us and we will check your eligibility for the trial. 

Exciting new project recruiting at USAIS – please get in touch if:

• You would like to join the Both EARS (BEARS) Virtual Reality research project
• You are responsible for a young person aged 8 to 16 years with bilateral cochlear implants
• You would like to help us find out if three months of listening training using a Virtual Reality headset or an iPad can improve hearing and quality of life

We offer five £10 vouchers to each participant, and will pay towards travel expenses.

This is a large multi centre research project across the UK. See more details of the trial here.