Research Overview
The institute is working to build on the success of the bionic ear and with support from collaborators our scientific research is aimed at delivering:
to improve speech understanding in noisy environments and unleash the gift of music for deaf patients
> Hearing Sciences Program
for the efficient delivery of therapeutic drugs without adverse side effects.
> Drug Delivery Systems Program
designed to monitor, diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders including epileptic seizures.
> Implantable Devices Program
to provide independence for the blind and eventually allow them to read large format print
> Bionic Eye Program
The Bionic Ear Institute’s international reputation has been created by successfully applying a multidisciplinary research approach to achieving clinical outcomes.
We have decades of technological and clinical expertise in developments related to medical bionics gained through the continued improvement of the bionic ear. This includes expertise in electrical stimulation, device technology, infection control, brain and auditory function, nerve regeneration, bio-engineering, mathematical modelling and signal processing.
The Bionic Ear Institute along with St.Vincent's Hospital ( Melbourne), CSIRO and The University of Wollongong has established a joint venture called Bionic Technologies Australia, which is funded with an STI grant from the Victorian Government. It aims to transform bionics research into commercial products and technologies.