Intelligent polymers to assist the hearing-impaired

16 October 2001

The University of Wollongong's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) has just become a collaborative partner with the Co-operative Research Centre for Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Innovation.

The CRC's mission is to improve communication for the millions of adults and children with hearing loss in Australia and world-wide. The CRC brings together four core and 14 support parties to conduct innovative interdisciplinary research leading to new hearing technology devices and clinical procedures.

"What we'll be bringing to the CRC are our specially-developed intelligent polymers which will have a direct benefit in improved devices for people with hearing impairment", according to IPRI Director Professor Gordon Wallace. "The use of intelligent polymers raises the potential for enhanced interfacing of cochlear implants with a hearing-impaired person's own neural system, greatly increasing communication benefits."

"IPRI's unique world-leading knowledge in polymer research will significantly strengthen the CRC's electrode development programs," according to CRC Director Dr Robert Cowan, in welcoming IPRI. He further noted that "advanced polymer coatings may improve the cochlear implant's mechanical properties and allow sensory feedback to assist surgeons with optimum placement of devices during the implant process".

New devices incorporating IPRI's advanced polymer materials will be developed and trialled within the CRC, leading directly to commercial application by the CRC's corporate partners in a short two-year timeframe.

For further information, contact: Professor Gordon Wallace (02) 4221 3127 or Dr Robert Cowan (03) 9283 7500, or crc@medoto.unimelb.edu.au