Download The bionic ear, or cochlear implant, is a local

Bionic ear
restores hearing
for hundreds of
thousands
The bionic ear, or cochlear implant, is a local biomedical
success story. The device developed out of studies in the
1960s by Professor Graeme Clark and his team at the
University of Melbourne.
Today, around 200,000 adults and children across 120
countries enjoy the gift of hearing through cochlear implants.
The bionic ear is a striking example of taking a concept from
the laboratory through to clinical application. It illustrates
what can be achieved through a multi-disciplinary research
approach with support from government, other funding
bodies and a commercial partner being involved in the
developmental research.
The Australian company Cochlear Ltd, which commercialised
and developed the technology, has an 80 per cent share of
the worldwide market.
By 2050 hearing loss will affect one in four Australians.
Melbourne’s Bionics Institute is currently engaging in several
research projects with the aim of improving sound perception
among cochlear implant and hearing aid wearers.
Bionics research is expanding into the development of
neurobionic devices that treat neurological and psychiatric
disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and obsessive
compulsive disorder.