"Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent European disabilities. It is associated with increased levels of distress, fatigue and need for recovery. This causes withdrawal from major social roles, such as the occupational role and imposes a risk for the ageing European population. LISTEN aims to train two ESRs through research, examining which current and new hearing aid technologies can successfully decrease listening effort required during speech perception. An innovative method to quantify listening effort (pupillometry) will be further developed. Novel concepts translating laboratory findings back to daily life practice will be explored and validated. The ESRs will be trained through local training, secondment to a private partner – one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in Europe – and through network wide training, including an associated partner in Poland. The academic sites will provide scientific training and research-based guidance to the private sector which will help industry decision makers to develop new strategies and practices required for further innovations in hearing aid technology and care. LISTEN combines academic and industrial state-of-the art knowledge, techniques and methods that will provide the ESRs with a unique environment to become experts in research supporting healthy ageing in our communication-based societies."