Clark, Graeme Milbourne (1935 - )

Graeme Clark was appointed William Gibson Professor and Head of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Melbourne in 1970.

He led the team that developed the cochlear implant ("bionic ear") which enables profoundly deaf people to hear speech.

In 1984 he became Director of the Australian Bionic Ear Institute, an affiliate of the University of Melbourne.

The cochlear implant was developed commercially by Sydney firm, Nucleus Limited, in association with the University of Melbourne and supported by a $2.2 million allocation from the Federal Department of Science and Technology. The system consisted of a processor-transmitter which received sound vibrations through a microphone, and converted them into coded radio signals. These signals were then transmitted through the skin to a receiver-stimulator surgically implanted into the mastoid bone behind the ear. The implanted device received the signals and converted them into electrical impulses which were fed to electrodes in the inner ear.

The cochlear implant remains a world leader in its field, and Clark's team is still engaged in ground-breaking research into deafness.

Professorial Chair

• Chair in Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne (1970 - )

  [1970 - ]