Ear Science Institute Australia

Established in 2001, Ear Science Institute Australia (Ear Science) is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving ear and hearing outcomes through translational, solutions-based research.

Ear Science’s research has two main areas of activity:

The Hearing Therapeutics group investigates the biology of the hearing system at a genetic, molecular and cellular level and the development of new treatments and devices to prevent and alleviate ear disease and hearing loss.

The Brain and Hearing group aims to develop new knowledge and seek clinical strategies to enable and empower people living with challenges associated with their hearing, cognitive and mental health.

Ear Science is affiliated with the enAble Institute and the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute at Curtin University, and the Ear Science Centre, University of Western Australia.

Principal research areas

Hearing Therapeutics

  • Silk-based and other biomaterials to repair middle ear structures
  • A patient-specific inner ear organoids platform for personalised drug treatment
  • Anti-fibrotic drugs to reduce cochlear implant induced scarring
  • Nano-technology based therapies to reduce age-related hearing loss
  • Therapies to improve efficacy of middle ear disease treatments
  • Nano delivery systems and drugs to counteract the toxic effects of chemotherapy on hearing

Brain and Hearing

Within the context of hearing loss, understanding the impact of comorbidities and developing innovative digital interventions:

  • Cognition and dementia
  • Wellbeing and mental health
  • Service delivery models
  • These primary themes are underpinned by the following secondary themes
    • Novel procedures and devices
    • Outcome measures
    • Scientific theories (e.g. health behaviour change)

CEO
Sandra Bellekom