School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL +44 (0) 161 306 6000 www.manchester.ac.uk PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
Predictive Value of Auditory Electrophysiological Measures in Adult Patient Populations Thank you for showing an interest in this study. This information sheet is designed to fully inform you of the procedure before you sign a consent form and agree to participate. This study is designed to assess differences in the human auditory system in the processing of certain types of sound. If you have been diagnosed with a hearing impairment or have any problems with your hearing it is important you tell a member of the research team before commencing with the study. The study will consist of two parts and should take no longer than two and a half hours in total. In part one, your hearing will be tested using a short 15-20 minute procedure, which will include a painless physical check of the ear, known as an otoscopy, and listening to a range of different sounds through a pair of headphones and pressing a button when you have heard each sound. Providing that your hearing ability is within the normal range, the second part of the study will involve attaching four electrodes to your forehead, one behind your right ear, two on your forehead and one on the lower neck. These electrodes are completely painless to apply and are designed to measure the electrical activity in your brain in response to sound. Your skin will be prepared using an alcohol wipe and a mildly abrasive gel. Once the electrodes are attached, you will be made comfortable in a reclining chair within a sound-proof booth. A series of sounds will then be played through one earphone in your right ear. It is very important that you remain as still as possible during your time in the booth, as any muscle movement can adversely affect the results. Ideally, feel free to fall asleep. This part of the testing will take around one hour and 15 minutes, but regular breaks will be given in which you can move and stretch, refreshments are also available if needed. You will receive ÂŁ15.00 for your participation. The risks of the study are minimal and involve routinely used, non-invasive procedures and tests which are very unlikely to cause any harm. If you would like to take part in this study or have any questions at all, please contact the chief investigator by email (anna.terry@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk) or telephone (0161 275 3507). Thank you. Version 1, October 2012