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Frequently Asked Questions | Current Research Studies | Location & Contact Info

A Typical Visit

When you arrive at the laboratory, you will be asked to sign several forms that allow us to collect data from your child and to use those data in our analyses and publications. If your child is between 5 and 11 years old, we’ll describe the study in a way that is easy to understand and then ask if he or she would like to participate. Although you (the parent) give us permission to include your child in our research, we leave the final decision to the child. Older children, between the ages of 12 and 18, indicate their willingness to participate by signing a form that describes the experiment. If a child wishes to stop participating at any time, they simply tell their parent or another adult.
More information about consent forms.


During testing, your child will be accompanied by a research assistant who will answer questions and help as necessary. If you wish, you are welcome to accompany your child through every part of the study. If your child is comfortable to proceed without you, a waiting area has been provided in the lab. This area was designed to allow you and your other children (if they accompany you) to pass the time comfortably. Toys, movies, and other activities are available. A typical study lasts between 1 - 2 hours. Because the research assistants will be busy with the study, they will not be available to care for other children. Please do not leave children unattended in the waiting area.


When your child has completed all of the tasks, he will be paid for his time. The typical payment is $10 an hour (or part hour). If your child chooses to stop the experiment, he/she will be paid for the time completed. You will be asked to sign a form confirming that your child received payment.

If your child received a standard hearing test (audiogram), you may receive a copy of that test for your records, at no charge. We will also send it to whomever you wish (your child’s pediatrician, audiologist, etc.) It may be necessary for you to sign a Release of Records Form and provide names and addresses.