Understanding Cochlear Implants and who can benefit

An interactive webinar by a specialist Otolaryngologist and an Audiologist from the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, for GPs to improve their understanding of and referrals for Cochlear Implants.

A 90 minute interactive lecture style presentation for GPs and GP registrars.  

A multidisciplinary presentation to improve GPs understanding of cochlear implants, how they work and which patients may benefit from one. This cutting-edge technology is continually evolving and advancing, and outcomes for patients are improving all the time. Therefore, increasing numbers of your patients might benefit from cochlear implants, but many patients and their GPs are not aware of the fact that they would be eligible and that it would vastly improve their hearing, quality of life and reduce their social isolation, risk of dementia and other mental and physical health issues.

Do you have a clear idea of which of your patients might benefit from a cochlear implant? What are the hearing thresholds required and what are the functional impairments that could improve with a cochlear implant? Attend our webinar to better understand cochlear implants, how they work, and how to refer your patients. Learn about the patient’s journey from assessment to rehabilitation, and see the latest data for their likely benefits and outcomes from having a cochlear implant.

Other health care providers including nurses and audiologists are most welcome to attend

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Outline the assessment of, and discuss identification of patients who may benefit from a Cochlear implant 
• Define what is a Cochlear implant and briefly explain how it works
• List options for treatment of hearing loss 
• Detail the sorts of outcomes that patients can expect following Cochlear implant surgery

SPEAKERS:

Prof Stephen O’Leary, FRACS

Prof O’Leary holds the Chair of Otolaryngology at The University of Melbourne. He obtained his PhD at The University of Melbourne under the mentorship of Professor Graeme Clark in 1994, and completed surgical training in Ear Nose and Throat - Head and Neck Surgery in 1998. He has worked as both a medical researcher and a surgeon at The University of Melbourne and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, since 1999, and holds an honorary appointment with the Bionics Institute. Professor O’Leary is recognised internationally for his clinical and research activities in ear disease, hearing and balance, and particularly for contributions to cochlear implantation, and the protection and regeneration of the inner ear. Prof O’Leary dedicates his time to both research into Otology and surgical practice. He was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health & Medical Sciences in 2017.

Raoul Wills, BA (Hons) MClAud AAudA

Raoul Wills has been an Audiologist at the Cochlear Implant Clinic since graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2015. Raoul specialises in adult rehabilitation and tele-audiology. With a background in linguistics and multimedia, Raoul has a keen interest in developing new ways for patients and clinicians to engage and work towards improved hearing outcomes. Raoul enjoys playing ice hockey through the local rinks in Melbourne and building computers in his spare time.