Hearing impairment can severely impact a person’s life, causing problems with communication, education, employment and social inclusion. In Australia alone, around 3.6 million people are affected by hearing impairment with a cost to the economy of $16 billion, and rising.For over thirty years the Bionics Institute has conducted research to improve clinical outcomes for cochlear implant recipients, and those with hearing loss.We continue this vital research by applying our unique multi-disciplinary approach and diverse experimental tools – from brain imaging and smart engineering to nanotechnology and gene therapy techniques.
Click on the projects listed below for more information.
Personalised management of hearing impairment for infants. Read more
Researchers are using nanotechnology to develop a world-first drug treatment for hearing loss Read more
We are exploring the use of light to improve outcomes for cochlear implant recipients. Read more
Our researchers are investigating why some cochlear implant recipients are unable to understand speech as well as others. Read more
Researchers at the Bionics Institute are developing a way to measure tinnitus by recording brain activity, to aid diagnosis and development of potential treatments. Read more
Our researchers are investigating how a combination of cochlear implants and hearing aids can give a more unified perception of sound. Read more
Establishing the link between dementia and hearing loss has the potential to change clinical practice and detect dementia earlier. Read more