▪ Directed Training for Improved Cochlear Implant Performance

Prolonged periods of profound deafness from a young age result in the central auditory pathway developing in an abnormal way. We have previously shown that long-term cochlear implant use can ameliorate many of these deafness induced changes. We are now interested in the effects of different types of training with cochlear implants on the development of the central auditory pathway.

This project will develop techniques to provide directed training, in a model of cochlear implant use, aimed to further ameliorate the deafness induced changes. The effectiveness of the training will be assessed using behavioural, electrophysiological and anatomical techniques.
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▪ Gene transfer technology for maintaining and regenerating auditory nerves after hearing loss

Many types of deafness result in progressive degeneration of auditory neurons. Experimental research has proven that providing neurotrophins to the cochlea can maintain auditory neuron survival for short periods of time. We are now interested in methods of promoting longer-term nerve survival and more controlled regeneration using gene transfer technology.

This project will use in vitro tissue culture and in vivo surgical techniques to investigate gene transfer in the cochlea. The genes for brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) have been placed in adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vectors. Viral particles containing the BDNF or NT3 genes will then be added to the cultures or to the cochleae in order to investigate the effect of neurotrophin gene expression on nerve survival and regeneration after sensorineural hearing loss. Click for project details [+]

▪ Cochlear Implants and Residual Hearing

Modern cochlear implants have proven to be such an effective treatment for profoundly deaf individuals, that patients with significant amounts of residual, low frequency, hearing are now being implanted. We have extensive experience in studying the effects of long-term cochlear implant use in a range of profoundly deaf animal models; however, there has been little study of the effects of long-term cochlear implant use on residual hearing.

In this project we will examine the effects of long-term cochlear implant use on residual low frequency hearing using a range of electrophysiological and anatomical techniques. Click for project details [+]

▪ Cortical Plasticity and Connectivity - Chronic Recordings

All modern cochlear implants rely on the organisational structure of the auditory pathway to provide cues for speech perception. The structure of the auditory pathway is controlled by both genetic cues and auditory experience, and in deaf individuals the lack of acoustic input results in a more rudimentary pathway. We have previously shown that chronic cochlear implant use, from a very young age, can ameliorate many of the deafness-induced changes in the auditory pathway. It is this ability of the auditory pathway to undergo plastic reorganization that is a major factor underlying the clinical success of cochlear implants. However, there are critical periods before which the auditory system must be activated to achieve the best clinical outcomes.

This project aims to examine how the auditory pathway changes and reorganises over time with long-term deafness and chronic cochlear implant use. Our previous method of taking a single ‘snap shot’ of the auditory brain in each animal is not suitable to address these issues. We are now going to perform repeated chronic recordings. Data from these experiments will assist the clinical decision-making processes concerned with the optimum time for cochlear implantation, and the best forms of rehabilitation and training given to cochlear implant patients. Ultimately, the results of this project should lead to improvements in the quality of auditory perception for cochlear implant patients.
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▪ Bionic Eye

The focus of this project is development of a visual prosthesis (bionic eye). The bionic eye consists of an array of electrodes implanted on the surface of the retina to stimulate the optic nerve in the eye, acting as a substitute for the photoreceptors that have degenerated or been badly damaged and no longer function effectively.

Our comprehensive approach to the development of a bionic eye, inclusive of surgeons, neuroscientists, ophthalmologists, and electrical engineers, is unique to this project. Together the development of the bionic eye with this strong collaborative environment provides excellent opportunities for PhD projects in disciplines ranging from bioengineering, surgery and visual neuroscience. Click for project details [+]

▪ Cochlear Implant Sound Processing using Phase Delays

Neurophysiological recordings suggest that the cochlear nucleus, the first stage of auditory processing in the brainstem, converts frequency information to timing information in a dynamic fashion where frequencies of interest are processed faster than less relevant information. The frequencies of interest are those whose amplitude is greater than surrounding frequencies. The benefit of this may be improvements in perceived signal-to-noise ratios.

This project will investigate incorporating these effects into cochlear implant sound processing for possible improvements in speech perception in noise. Click for project details [+]

▪ Repairing the Auditory System with Cochlear Implantation and Drug Delivery

Many types of deafness result in progressive degeneration of auditory neurons.

The aim of this research project is to prevent this degenerative process and restore function to the deaf cochlea using a cochlear implant and/or with the delivery of neuroprotective drugs. Click for project details [+]

▪ Real Time Simulator of Bimodal and Hybrid Hearing Devices

A simulation of how a listener with a cochlear implant (CI), hearing aid (HA), or hybrid device (CA+HA) in one or both ears may perceive sound is currently being developed.

The project will result in the implementation of a bimodal hearing device simulator program. The simulator will take microphone or audio input, and process audio in real time, providing a simulation of how a listener with a cochlear implant (CI), hearing aid (HA), or hybrid device (CA+HA) in one or both ears may perceive sound. Click for project details [+]