Ear Science affiliation to boost ear and hearing research

A new affiliation agreement between Ear Science Institute Australia (Ear Science) and The University of Western Australia will help drive innovation in ear and hearing research.

As a medical research institute, Ear Science is dedicated to improving the quality of science and developing novel devices and therapies to tackle ear and hearing disorders in our community.  

Sandra Bellekom, CEO Ear Science Institute Australia and UWA Senior Adjunct Research Fellow, said the partnership with UWA would help Ear Science deliver on its strategic plan of taking ear and hearing-related therapeutic products to market. 

UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said the new affiliation would build on the extensive research work and 20-year collaborative history between the two organisations. 

“We welcome this new agreement with Ear Science Institute Australia as we work together to help make a difference to the millions of Australians, myself included, who suffer from ear and hearing disorders,” Professor Nowak said.

The affiliation agreement includes joint research projects closely tied to changing clinical practice, conducted with the Centre for Ear Sciences at the UWA Medical School.

Projects include further development of ClearDrum, investigating the role of cochlear fibrosis in cochlear implantation, and further exploring the relationship between hearing loss, cognitive decline and dementia, all in collaboration with the UWA School of Human Sciences. 

Researcher Dr Cathy Sucher will be immersed in the best practice of product development and commercialisation processes within Cochlear during her 9-month Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry fellowship. 

Ear Science also has a long-standing involvement in UWA’s two internationally recognised longitudinal population health studies: the Busselton Health Study and the Raine Study.

With more than 3.95 million Australians experiencing hearing loss, Ear Science is involved in developing telehealth services to reach those who struggle to access services. A Raine Medical Research Foundation-funded fellowship is building the capacity of audiologists to manage the psychosocial needs of people with hearing loss. 

About Ear Science Institute Australia
Medical Research Institute dedicated to helping people with ear and hearing disorders through research, education and bringing innovations in medicine and audiology.

For 20 years, Ear Science Institute Australia has improved the lives of people with ear and hearing disorders locally, nationally and internationally through patient-driven audiology, research, education and treatment.

As a world-renowned profit for purpose research institute, Ear Science Institute Australia upholds itself as a centre of excellence, bringing together a multi-disciplined team of the brightest minds from across the globe.

Our researchers, audiologists, clinicians, scientists and surgeons all work together to enhance the lives of those with ear and hearing disorders, discovering and delivering innovative treatments. We are also committed to developing ground breaking cures for tomorrow’s generation. While we are working towards a future without hearing loss for all, we need to make a lasting impact in Indigenous communities with respectful engagement.