Purpose of the Study:
You are invited to take part in this study on improving live music perception for individuals with hearing loss. I want to understand how Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are being used in entertainment venues and how they affect patrons with hearing loss attending live musical events. I am hoping to learn more about the types of ALDs available in these venues and their effectiveness in enhancing music perception for individuals with hearing loss. I also hope to find out what improvements can be made to make live music events more accessible and enjoyable for people with hearing loss, based on feedback from both venue operators and patrons.
I am doing this research for a course under the supervision of Dr. Laurel Trainor.
What will happen during the study?
You will be asked to take part in a survey about your experiences with hearing loss and assistive listening devices (ALDs) for live music events. The study will take place online through a platform called LimeSurvey. The survey consists of several sections, and it will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. First, you will be asked to review and agree to the consent form. After that, you will answer a few questions about your hearing loss and use of hearing aids. Next, you will answer questions about your experiences with ALDs and how you use them for different events like concerts, religious services, and other live music events. The survey will ask about the types of ALDs you’ve used, any problems you may have encountered, and suggestions for improvements. Additionally, we’ll ask you about the types of events you’ve attended and how often you go. You may be asked for some background information, such as your age and education. If you decide to participate, your responses will be anonymous, and you can skip any question you’re uncomfortable answering.
Are there any risks to doing this study?
The risks involved in participating in this study are minimal. You may feel uncomfortable or anxious when reflecting on personal experiences related to hearing loss, assistive listening devices (ALDs), and music perception. You may find it stressful to discuss challenges faced in social or music settings due to hearing loss, or feel self-conscious about using hearing aids or the impact of your hearing loss on social engagement. Additionally, you may feel overwhelmed if you perceive your participation as revealing difficulties you wish to avoid discussing, such as your reliance on hearing aids or the effects of hearing loss on your quality of life.
To minimize any potential distress, you will be informed that participation is entirely voluntary, and you may skip any question you feel uncomfortable answering without consequence. Reassuring language will be used to emphasize that emotional well-being is a priority and that there are no right or wrong answers. If you experience any discomfort during the survey, you can exit at any time. Your privacy and confidentiality will be protected throughout the study to ensure your safety and comfort. I describe below the steps I am taking to protect your privacy.
Are there any benefits to doing this study?
By participating in this study, you will have the opportunity to voice your experiences and contribute valuable feedback that could lead to improvements in accessibility for individuals with hearing loss at live music events. Your input may help inform the development of more effective Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) or policies designed to enhance the musical experience for people with hearing loss. This gives you an active role in advocating for the needs of your community within the research process.
For individuals with hearing loss, particularly older adults, this research has the potential to improve their quality of life by enhancing their ability to enjoy and participate in live music events. By fostering greater social engagement, this study may reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, promoting a stronger sense of community.
The broader impact of this research extends to the scientific community and society at large. It will help fill a gap in the literature on ALDs for live music, a context that has not been extensively studied. The findings could inform technological advancements and the refinement of ALD designs, making them more effective for diverse settings. Moreover, by improving the music perception of individuals with hearing loss, this study may foster greater social participation, helping individuals re-engage with cultural and social activities and improving their mental well-being.
Who will know what I said or did in the study?
You are participating in this research anonymously. No one, including me, will know that you participated. All research data will be stored digitally on LimeSurvey during the data collection phase. This platform is secure and ensures that data is encrypted to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Once data collection is complete, it will be transferred to a secure lab server for analysis and long-term storage. Access to the server will be restricted to authorized research team members only, and appropriate encryption methods will be applied to any identifiable data stored on both LimeSurvey and the lab server to protect your privacy. Your identity will not be linked to any of the data you provide.
What if I change my mind about being in the study?
Your participation in this study is voluntary, and it is your choice whether to be part of the study or not. Before starting the survey, you will be informed that you can withdraw from the study at any time. If you choose to withdraw, you can simply stop filling out the survey, and your responses will not be submitted unless you press the "submit" button. Once you have submitted your responses for this anonymous survey, your answers will be put into a database and will not be identifiable. This means that once you have submitted your survey, your responses cannot be withdrawn because I will not be able to identify which responses are yours.
How do I find out what was learned in this study?
A summary of the results will be posted on the Macsphere https://macsphere.mcmaster.ca/.This summary will be written in accessible language to ensure that the findings are understandable. You can visit this website to learn about what was discovered in the study.
Questions about the Study: If you have questions or need more information about the study itself, please contact me at:
This study has been reviewed by the McMaster Research Ethics Board and received ethics clearance under project 7550. If you have concerns or questions about your rights as a participant or about the way the study is conducted, please contact:
McMaster Research Ethics Office
Telephone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23142
E-mail: mreb@mcmaster.ca
There are 99 questions in this survey.
