Rachel Ellis

Senior Lecturer

Communication is a complex process involving many different skills. The focus of my research is on investigating factors that influence communication, particularly in older people with hearing loss.

Which factors are involved in successful communication?

In order to accurately communicate via speech, we must first be able to recognise the words that we hear. To do this we know that the brain and the ears need to work together, however, we do not yet understand precisely which processes are involved.

My primary research interest is in investigating the cognitive abilities (such as working memory or executive functions) involved in speech perception. However, I am also interested in exploring the interactive nature of communication. I am particularly interested in how ageing and hearing loss affect these processes.

Generally speaking, my research interests can be loosely divided into three categories:

Cognition and speech perception: working memory; executive functions; proactive interference; development of novel tests; semantic versus phonological cues; top-down versus bottom-up processing; ageing; hearing loss; hearing aid benefit; signal processing; listening effort; acclimatisation.

Novel technology and communication difficulties: hearing aid benefit; signal processing; online screening; ageing; signal processing; hearing loss.

Interaction in communication: ageing; hearing loss; accommodation; turn-taking; stigmatization; hearing aids.

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2021

2020

2019

2017

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Disability Research Division

We do research on various disabilities, where we measure and compare the impact and degree of disability. The focus is on cognition and communication.

Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning

Human behaviour and learning is the focus for education and research at the department. We educate students and scientists that are well equipped to meet future challenges in society and working life.