Researchers and patients reviewed the latest developments from the BRC’s Deafness and Hearing Problems theme at a special event at the UCL Ear Institute compered by theme lead Prof Anne Schilder.
In a set of talks researchers told of progress in the ‘Audible-S’ and ‘Regain’ trials – separate studies which are testing two new drugs for two different types of hearing loss – with patient Michael Thomason describing his experience of taking part in the Regain trial.
Dr Sally Dawson outlined how researchers have identified gene mutations which increase the risk of developing hearing loss; Prof Jennifer Linden told how researchers are studying how best to help people with asymmetric hearing loss deal with everyday listening problems; and Prof Doris Bamiou discussed how the ‘Evotion’ study was collecting real life ‘big data’ from people who use hearing aids with the aim of improving the functioning of hearing aids.
A key theme emphasised by Prof Schilder was that collaboration – between clinicians, scientists, research funders, industry and more – was absolutely crucial to the theme’s research.
And researchers said engaging the public during the design of studies was critical – with the theme’s patient and public involvement lead Dr Lucy Handscomb talking with theme patient representative and cochlear implant user Terry Emery on why public involvement is important for one part of the event. TV and stage actress Samantha Baines also gave a personal account of her hearing loss.
In addition, a team of PhD students hosted a range of table-top activities to help explain their research in an engaging way.
Dr Handscomb said: “We had a great turnout for our event, and it was a real delight to see so many animated conversations taking place between researchers, funders, clinicians and patients. I know that several new ideas for projects were hatched on the day, and the whole event really captured the collaborative ethos of the BRC.”
