Research volunteer database
Thank you for your interest in Soundfair’s research volunteer database. If you decide that you would like to join our research volunteer database, please complete the consent form and questionnaire at the bottom of this page. This will help us find studies that best meet your interests.
Please read this so that you can decide whether you would like to take part. If you have any questions about the research volunteer database, please contact us.
About the database
What is the purpose of the database?
Soundfair conducts research in co-design solutions for people with hearing conditions. We partner and collaborate with organisations carrying out research into hearing health. We believe that people with lived experience of hearing conditions should lead, and be active participants in, hearing health research. A database allows us to contact those who are interested in giving back to their community by participating in research.
Who manages the research volunteer database?
The database is managed by Soundfair. Researchers from outside our organisation do not have access to our database. If a researcher approaches Soundfair and has ethical approval for their study, we may decide to advertise the study on behalf of the researcher.
Your involvement
What would I have to do if I joined the volunteer database?
If you agree to be part of our volunteer database, we will ask you to complete a consent form and a short questionnaire about your hearing health. With your permission, you will be contacted from time to time about research studies which may be of interest to you. Your participation in any study is voluntary and you may choose to withdraw at any time. If you decide not to participate this will not affect your relationship with Soundfair.
Will I be paid for joining the database?
You will not be paid for joining the database; however, research studies may reimburse you for your time as well as refund reasonable travel expenses.
What sort of research will I be invited to take part in?
Research studies can include different types of hearing, listening and balance tests, as well as interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. When you are contacted about a particular study, you will be given information about how you can get involved and there is no obligation to take part if you do not want to.
While we endeavour to ensure research studies are ethically approved, we do not sponsor or endorse projects. We recommend that you contact research organisation directly for further information about eligibility, personal benefits, personal risks, and complaints processes.
How often will I be contacted?
This varies depending on how frequently researchers require participants. You may receive several notifications within a month, or none for a few months.
What happens if I change my mind?
It is up to you to decide whether to join the research volunteer database. Once you have decided to take part you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason and without any impact on your relationship with Soundfair. If you would like to be removed from the volunteer database, contact us and we can remove your details from the database.
Data protection and confidentiality
What will happen to information you collect about me?
- The database is stored on a server owned by Soundfair. Access to the server is limited to Soundfair’s staff and will not be shared externally.
- Only the database managers and their administration support have access to your personal information, and this is password-protected.
- If you decide to withdraw from the database, your online record will be deleted. If, during your time on the database, you consent to participate in a study, the data collected for that study will not be automatically deleted when you are removed from the database. This data is stored and processed separately, according to the data management plan for the study. You would always be made aware of this prior to giving your consent for a study.
- We may publish information about studies you have participated in in ways that will not be identifiable in any way.
Our contact details
If you have any queries about the database, please contact us [email protected].