About
At Eriksholm, the significance of our test subjects cannot be overstated. Our scientists rely on the valuable contribution from these individuals, who volunteer to participate in experiments, tests, and surveys on a regular basis. By dedicating their time and effort, they provide essential data that fuels Eriksholm research projects. In 2023 alone, test subjects spent more than 400 hours on test activities. Their commendable effort plays a vital part in achieving our goal and purpose, which is to advance the scientific understanding of hearing difficulties, their treatment, and their consequences.
Celebrating more than 25 years of dedication
In a recent blog post, we delved into the rich history of hearing aids and our extensive archive of preserved test subject records dating back to 1977. Hundreds of test subjects have passed through the doors of Eriksholm, leaving behind a trail of unique perspectives and anecdotes. However, a select group of test subjects have made a long-term commitment. A few weeks ago, Eriksholm proudly celebrated 13 people who have served hearing science as test subjects at Eriksholm for 25 years and even longer. We honored their dedication with an afternoon of entertainment and acknowledgement.
Test subjects shared their experiences
Breaking
away from the usual laboratory setting, the attendees were greeted by
Eriksholm’s team of research audiologists in the auditorium, where they were
treated to engaging presentations. The highlight of the presentations were the
personal accounts shared by two long-term test subjects, Hans-Henrik Ørsted and
Dorthe Wall Prebensen. The first mentioned recounted his challenges with a
progressing hearing loss and expressed gratitude for the persistent support
from Eriksholm’s clinical team, that allowed him to stay in the job market. In
contrast, Dorthe, who was born with a severe hearing loss, was only 18 years
old when she first came to Eriksholm and says she is still discovering brand
new sounds after attending a session in the clinic. Their stories were a
testimony to the nuances of living with hearing impairment.
Both
speakers reflected on the pivotal role of chance that they were born in an era
where research and technology enable rehabilitation. Their reflections extended
to stories of family members and others, who were less fortunate. Their
insights provided food for thought and reiterated the importance of the
alliance between Eriksholm and their dedicated test subjects, and our joined
effort to innovate the science of hearing rehabilitation.
Unfolding technology and statistics
Senior Manager Claus Nielsen gave a presentation about the evolution of Oticon hearing instruments, highlighting the integral role of the test subjects in their development. He also outlined some of the technological shifts experienced by the guests on their hearing rehabilitation journey. Research Audiologist Aleksandra Koprowska delivered compelling facts and statistics on the demographic distribution of test subjects, underscoring their huge contribution to the advancement in hearing science. She also explained the crucial role of test subjects with normal hearing, serving as a reference group and aiding the validation of new measuring methods.
After the presentations, the jubilarians were treated to bubbles, cake, and coffee while they spent the rest of the afternoon exchanging experiences and anecdotes from their more than 25 years as test subjects at Eriksholm.
