Research Areas - Cochlear Implant Innovations

SpeL – a new cochlear implant sound-processing scheme based on specific loudness

This project, conducted in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, aims to improve loudness perception of cochlear implant users by utilising real-time models of loudness perception, to increase the dynamic range of acoustic signals available to implant users, and thereby to improve implant users’ perception of speech and other sounds.

Alternative Stimulus Paradigms for Coding

SPEAR3 Research Platform
The aim of the project is to provide a portable speech processor capable of bilateral or unilateral electrical and/or acoustic stimulation, for use by CRC research projects and external research centres and to provide software for CI speech processing research and extensive support to enable CRC and external parties to use the SPEAR3 system effectively for research purposes.
Transient Emphasis Spectral Maxima (TESM)
This project aims to provide improved perception of some consonants, namely plosives and nasals, and speech in noise for cochlear implant users.
Tonal Language Processing Strategies
The project aim is to develop a sound-processing strategy based on spatio-temporal coding that will improve perception of tonal languages.

Integrated Analysis of Neural Responses for Advanced Sound Coding

The project aims to devise efficient means to determine the neural capacity of individual patients, primarily using NRT measures of neural response and, thereby, to facilitate the generation of advanced, individualised sound processing strategies that can be generated automatically, saving much time in patient management.

Biomedical Safety and Analysis

The project investigates safety aspects of cochlear implants both to improve biological knowledge and to facilitate the development of new more effective cochlear implants.

Evaluation of Advanced Electrode Arrays using new Materials and Technology

Electrode development research aims to enable a more efficient and effective information transfer at the electro-neural interface.

Development of Advanced Hardware Systems

This project aims to investigate the feasibility of a totally implantable cochlear implant system, which can be completely implanted under the skin. Such a system will allow implant users who currently use an external speech processor to use their device at night, or in “wet” conditions. Furthermore, novel design concepts of implantable acoustic sensors have been investigated in order to incorporate the natural hearing functions of the human ear as part of the implant system.

Bilateral Cochlear Implant Development

The aim of this project is to assess benefits available from bilateral cochlear implantation and to develop an understanding of fundamental perceptual effects with bilateral electrical stimulation in order to develop optimal strategies for use with bilateral implants.

 

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