Ear Science Institute Australia
Overview
The Ear Science Institute Australia (ESIA), based in Perth, Western Australia, is an independant not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving ear and hearing outcomes through education and translational research that is multi-disciplinary in nature, drawing on skills from many fields such as otolaryngology, audiology, engineering, computer science and molecular and cellular sciences. As well as having strong links between researchers and clinicians, ESIA also has a strong education and training manadate. Through its dedicated focus, expert staff and established national and international networks, ESIA is uniquely placed to address the issues faced by the one in six Australians who suffer from hearing loss.
Research
The Institute’s scientific research activities are focussed on applied research projects for the diagnosis and treatment of ear disease and hearing disorders.
The Institute's research programmes receive funding from the Lions Hearing Foundation, university, national and international grants, and private sponsorship and donations.
Hearing Clinics
The Institute operates seven Lions Hearing Clinics in Western Australia (including two visiting sites), with experienced audiologists covering a wide range of clinical audiology including complex hearing loss, hearing aids, vestibular/balance disorders, paediatric audiology, assessment and rehabilitation of implant patients, and tinnitus.
Surgery
The ESIA otolaryngologists specialise in otology, particularly skull-base surgey, middle ear surgery, hearing implants, chronic ear disease, Meniere's disease, and semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
Number of employees: 50
Main business focus/
Listing by sector:
- Research Organisation
- Regenerative & Stem Cells
- Service Provider
- Medical Devices
Competitive Advantages
Competitive advantages
A multi-disciplinary team, covering the fields of ear surgery, bio-engineering, information technology and programming, audiology is well placed for the development of innovative and patient focussed products.
As a tertiary referral centre, the Institute undertakes clinical trials of innovative surgical procedures and devices, treatment of ear disease and hearing disorders, and testing of associated products.
Technology/IP
Research
The Institute’s scientific research activities are focussed on applied research projects for the diagnosis and treatment of ear disease and hearing disorders, in three primary research programmes:
- Molecular and Cellular Otolaryngology, focussing on tissue regeneration, tissue engineering, cell culture, and adult stem cells. A project that is currently being translated into clinical trials is ESIA's development of an artificial autologous tympanic membrane, to overcome the problems of chronic perforation and to improve the functional outcomes of tympanic membrane surgery.
- Computer and Infomration Science, focussing on telemedicine, computer aided diagnosis and databases. ESIA has developed and implemented a tele-health system for specialists to make assessment of ear disease using digitised images and clinical details transmitted from remote sites. This will improve the access of people in rural and remote areas to ear specialists. It has been implemented in Australia and in India.
- Clinical Research, with projects in tinnitus, cochlear and other hearing implants, epidemiology, quality of life, assessment of surgical outcomes, middle ear surgery, and imaging.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
The Institute is affiliated with The University of Western Australia through the Ear Science Centre in the School of Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Fremantle Hospital, St John of God Hospital and the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research.
Partnering Opportunities
The Institute aims to form partnerships between researchers, industry and government with projects that are priority driven.
Contact Details
| Contact person | Dr Brett Robertson |
|---|---|
| Job Title | General Manager |
| Address | Suite 1 |
| 1 Salvado Road | |
| City/Suburb | Subiaco |
| State | Western Australia |
| enquiries@earscience.org.au | |
| Phone | +61 8 6380 4900 |
| Website | http://www.earscience.org.au |
