Sydney Deafness Research Centre

Our Vision: 'Hearing for all'.

Hearing impairment affects 1.9 million Australians. Three of every four Australians over the age of 70 have significant hearing impairment. Recent analysis suggests that with our ageing population, by 2050 25% of Australians will have significant hearing loss.

About Sydney Deafness Research Centre

The Sydney Deafness Research Centre (SDRC) is a world-class research facility located in Australian’s most modern and technologically advanced research centre housed on a hospital campus, the Kolling Building, part of the University of Sydney (Northern Campus). The SDRC’s mission is “hearing for all” and it seeks to achieve this goal by cutting edge research and deafness alleviation of our most disadvantaged.

The SDRC team is lead by Clinical Associate Professor Nirmal Patel, a surgeon scientist with a particular interest in cochlear implantation. Nirmal is an ear surgeon at the Royal North Shore and North Shore Private Hospitals campus. He spends his non-clinical time with the SDRC team overseeing the research and deafness alleviation programme of the SDRC. Nirmal completed a Master of Surgery by Research Thesis through the New York University/ University of New South Wales in the field of Gene and Stem Cell Therapy of the Inner Ear. Nirmal also actively teaches Audiology Students, Medical students, ENT Registrars and Audiologists on a weekly basis.

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Tel 1300 KOLLING (1300 565 546)

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SDRC Cochlear Implant Research

The SDRC’s research focuses on the development of better cochlear implant electrodes. Cochlear Implants (bionic ear) is now a well-established treatment for sensorineural (nerve related) hearing loss. The implant is surgically placed into the inner ear (cochlea) and when healed, the external sound receiver is magnetically attached to the implant and sends electrical signals through the skin to the implant. The first successful cochlear implants were performed 25 years ago in deaf child and adults. The majority of implants are now performed in deaf adults (especially the ageing patient) where hearing aids are not enough.

The SDRC is researching new implant electrodes that are designed to be atraumatic on insertion into the inner ear (cochlea). The purpose of the newer electrodes is to try and preserve hearing in patients, so that electrodes can be used for patients that have some natural hearing but are still struggling to hear.

We are also studying newer ways of imaging the cochlea using Micro CT scanning, which is a form of CT scanning that provides ultrahigh resolution images of the inner ear. Very little research has ever been done on Micro CT imaging of the human inner ear. The SDRC is mapping the human ear with micro CT and also using the tool to examine the effect of inserting different cochlear implant electrodes into the inner ear.

SDRC Hearing Alleviation Programme

Cochlear Implantation for “The Disadvantaged Deaf".

Cochlear Implantation (bionic ear insertion) is currently funded by Medicare and most health funds. If a patient has appropriate health insurance and is an Australian citizen, then there are cochlea implant centres in Sydney that provide a no gap service: (www.northsidehearing.com.au).

The SDRC offers a public cochlear implantation service for Children and Adults through the Royal North Shore Hospital and Northside Hearing to provide implant technology to our most disadvantaged deaf patients. Public implants are generally reserved for those that are not insured and who have had head injury, tumours, severe meningitis or severe inflammation of the inner ear and have lost hearing.

Support this area of research

The Sydney Deafness Research Centre is a special purpose fundraising group established under the aegis of Kolling Foundation. Kolling Foundation is a registered charity under the Fundraising Charities Act 1991. Charity Authority Number: CFN15752.

Tel 1300 KOLLING (1300 565 546)

DONATE ONLINE

DOWNLOAD DONATION FORM

For more information please contact Kolling Foundation