Boost for hearing problems
State-of-the art laboratories opened recently in Melbourne by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, will enhance Australia’s on-going world-leading research into preventing and treating hearing loss.
The refurbished facilities house the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which continues highly successful research into hearing loss begun by its predecessors the CRC for Cochlear Implant, Speech and Hearing Research and CRC HEAR.
“The HEARing CRC’s predecessors developed and commercialised world leading technologies and clinical services for preventing and treating hearing loss,” Senator Carr said.
“The HEARing CRC comprises an internationally unique consortium of research, clinical and industry organisations to develop new products and procedures for hearing health care.
“The true impact of hearing loss to the Australian community is not often recognised, yet a 2006 report estimated this at $23 billion a year - and of this $6.7 billion was in direct lost productivity.
“Operational since May 2008, the HEARing CRC will use the refurbished facilities to continue to research ways of preventing hearing loss and improving treatment to enhance the lives of the hearing-impaired and their families.
“The refurbished building, owned by the University of Melbourne, now includes a new specifically-designed sound engineering laboratory and a number of sound-treated research laboratories.”
The Australian Government has provided the CRC with $32.5 million in funding with collaborating partners contributing a further $83 million.
