Research placement

Research placement

This is a voluntary position to gain relevant research experience.

Location: Guildford

This is an exciting opportunity for MSc students studying Psychology, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medical Physics to undertake their research projects relevant to tinnitus, hyperacusis and misophonia.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound (e.g., ringing, buzzing, whistle, humming, clicks, etc) in the absence of acoustic stimuli external to the body. It can lead to emotional distress, cognitive dysfunction, autonomic arousal, behavioural changes, and functional disability, in which case it is called tinnitus disorder. The prevalence of tinnitus in the adult population is estimated to be about 14%. Hyperacusis and misophonia are two types of sound intolerance disorders.

Hyperacusis is the perception of certain day-to-day sounds (e.g., ambient noise in public places or domestic noise, traffic, door slamming, hand dryers, music in shopping malls, etc) as too loud or painful. Misophonia is characterized by perceiving certain sounds linked to oral function (e.g., chewing), nasal sounds (e.g., breathing), and repetitive sounds such as tapping or clicking as disgusting or annoying leading to profound emotional, physiological, and behavioural reactions.

King’s College of London estimated that about 18% of the UK population have symptoms of misophonia that can have a significant impact on their life. There are several studies aimed to estimate prevalence of hyperacusis in the general population and their estimates varies across studies from less than 1% to 17% of the general population. Research has shown that individuals with hyperacusis often exhibit high levels of stress, poorer mental and physical health, and lower quality of life than the general population.

Individuals with misophonia often exhibit emotional problems, avoidance behaviours, perfectionism, cognitive distortions, anxiety disorders and depression. Recent studies shown that children with misophonia have a greater likelihood of childhood anxiety and mood disorders and poorer quality of life. Diagnostic and treatment procedures are not yet fully developed for this patient population and research on treatment methods are scarce.

• MSc students in Psychology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Medical Physics
• Interested in undertaking research projects on tinnitus, hyperacusis, or misophonia
• Voluntary position

To apply , email your CV accompanied by a cover letter to Dr Hashir Aazh at a.