Hybrid Optical-electrical Stimulation For Precise Neural Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$935,579.00
Summary
In world-first research, we have evidence that combining electrical stimulation with optical stimulation significantly and safely improves precision of neural activation for devices such as cochlear and retinal implants. In this proposal we will use gene therapy to make nerves responsive to light in pre-clinical animal models to establish proof of concept that hybrid stimulation will significantly improve outcomes for recipients of cochlear and retinal implants.
Stuttering in childhood: Patterns of recovery and persistence. This project will benefit the 1 in 20 Australian children who stutter and their families. We will learn for the first time how stuttering impacts on child development in the early school years and document the relationship between stuttering and other childhood conditions. The study will produce much needed information about recovery from stuttering and stuttering persistence. Therefore new knowledge will result to inform the scienti ....Stuttering in childhood: Patterns of recovery and persistence. This project will benefit the 1 in 20 Australian children who stutter and their families. We will learn for the first time how stuttering impacts on child development in the early school years and document the relationship between stuttering and other childhood conditions. The study will produce much needed information about recovery from stuttering and stuttering persistence. Therefore new knowledge will result to inform the scientific community and provide professionals and families with much needed evidence-based information about stuttering progression. Together this information will inform intervention approaches and help direct resources to those children who need them most. Read moreRead less
A longitudinal study of language learning to assess early intervention outcomes in pre-school children with impaired hearing. Overseas research suggests that young children with impaired hearing and normal non-verbal cognition can develop normal language if hearing aid fitting and intervention occur before 6 months of age. Australian studies show considerable language delays in most hearing-impaired children of primary-school age. We will study the spoken language learning of hearing-impaired ....A longitudinal study of language learning to assess early intervention outcomes in pre-school children with impaired hearing. Overseas research suggests that young children with impaired hearing and normal non-verbal cognition can develop normal language if hearing aid fitting and intervention occur before 6 months of age. Australian studies show considerable language delays in most hearing-impaired children of primary-school age. We will study the spoken language learning of hearing-impaired children up to age 6 years in Victoria. The project will investigate crucial factors in achieving normal language learning in hard-of-hearing children and the role of early intervention. Normal language outcomes would enhance the educational and career prospects of hearing-impaired children and result in community cost savings.
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Detecting language disorder in children with a language background other than English: the role of the Dynamic Assessment. 17.6% of Australia's culturally diverse population are born in non-English speaking countries. Recently, reports of unprecedented growth in the diagnosis of children with language disorders have emerged. There are difficulties in accurately identifying children at risk of language disorder. We hypothesize that some children with language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE ....Detecting language disorder in children with a language background other than English: the role of the Dynamic Assessment. 17.6% of Australia's culturally diverse population are born in non-English speaking countries. Recently, reports of unprecedented growth in the diagnosis of children with language disorders have emerged. There are difficulties in accurately identifying children at risk of language disorder. We hypothesize that some children with language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE) are mis-identified. If true, then scarce resources are being misdirected and inappropriately allocated, depriving children with true language disorder of support and intervention. The aim of this project is to determine the utility of the Dynamic Assessment to discriminate normal language learning from language learning difficulties in LBOTE children.
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A study of early stuttering. Stuttering affects 1 in 20 Australian children. Stuttering disrupts and prevents normal verbal communication, significantly interferes with social interaction and can affect the attainment of educational and occupational potential. Australia leads the world in stuttering research. This innovative study will document the onset of stuttering and describe its progression, an area that is not well described or understood. This project will contribute new knowledge about ....A study of early stuttering. Stuttering affects 1 in 20 Australian children. Stuttering disrupts and prevents normal verbal communication, significantly interferes with social interaction and can affect the attainment of educational and occupational potential. Australia leads the world in stuttering research. This innovative study will document the onset of stuttering and describe its progression, an area that is not well described or understood. This project will contribute new knowledge about the onset of stuttering thereby benefiting children worldwide and their families. It will inform clinical practice and improve the evidence underpinning the advice given to parents of children who stutter.Read moreRead less
Centre For Research Excellence In Childhood Language
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,485,324.00
Summary
Although most children acquire speech and language skills comparatively effortlessly, it has become increasingly apparent that many do not. More importantly, this sizeable group accounts for great subsequent population health, social and economic burden. Research in the field has been underfunded and fragmented, resulting in evidence gaps, limited capacity, and disparate guidance for policy-makers. We will address these issues, acting as a vehicle and an ongoing catalyst for internationally-comp ....Although most children acquire speech and language skills comparatively effortlessly, it has become increasingly apparent that many do not. More importantly, this sizeable group accounts for great subsequent population health, social and economic burden. Research in the field has been underfunded and fragmented, resulting in evidence gaps, limited capacity, and disparate guidance for policy-makers. We will address these issues, acting as a vehicle and an ongoing catalyst for internationally-competitive research.Read moreRead less
The language abilities of young offenders: Missing links in theory and practice.. Young offenders are a complex and challenging population, with high rates of comorbidity between attentional, learning, and behaviour problems. Few workers have, however, considered the underlying language processing and production skills in this population. Available evidence indicates a high level of vulnerability to language disorders in young offenders. These may contribute to poor academic performance and fail ....The language abilities of young offenders: Missing links in theory and practice.. Young offenders are a complex and challenging population, with high rates of comorbidity between attentional, learning, and behaviour problems. Few workers have, however, considered the underlying language processing and production skills in this population. Available evidence indicates a high level of vulnerability to language disorders in young offenders. These may contribute to poor academic performance and failure to develop prosocial skills. This study will explore language competencies and will describe their relationship to social skills, patterns of comorbidity, and type of offence (property Vs violent). Findings will be relevant to theories of juvenile offending and design of prevention/intervention programsRead moreRead less
Vocal empowerment: Researching the effect of actor voice training on young adults with cochlear implants and hearing aids. The research offers significant public health outcomes for Australians, in the areas of preventative healthcare, through improving the social integration and quality of life of young adults with a hearing impairment and through improvements in habilitation.
Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Children: Does a Second Implant Improve Language, Psychosocial and Other Outcomes? Severe-profound congenital hearing loss engenders significant costs to society. In 2005, specialised education cost -- on average $25,000 per child, loss of productivity cost -- $6.7 billion, and social security benefits were paid to approximately 129,000 individuals who were unemployed due to hearing loss. If bilateral cochlear implantation results in improved language, social dev ....Bilateral Cochlear Implants for Children: Does a Second Implant Improve Language, Psychosocial and Other Outcomes? Severe-profound congenital hearing loss engenders significant costs to society. In 2005, specialised education cost -- on average $25,000 per child, loss of productivity cost -- $6.7 billion, and social security benefits were paid to approximately 129,000 individuals who were unemployed due to hearing loss. If bilateral cochlear implantation results in improved language, social development, and academic outcomes, the community benefits arising will be greatly improved quality of life for these individuals and significant savings to society. In partnership with Cochlear Ltd, this study will provide some of the first data worldwide comparing the effects of an additional implant on language, social and educational outcomes.Read moreRead less
The effect of cochlear implants on cognitive decline in ageing Australians. This project aims to investigate the impact of cochlear implants on cognitive function in elderly people with deafness. Deafness has been found to be independently associated with a 30–40 per cent accelerated rate of cognitive decline in elderly adults. There is currently no effective treatment for cognitive decline. The intended outcomes of this observational study will help us to understand the biological process of co ....The effect of cochlear implants on cognitive decline in ageing Australians. This project aims to investigate the impact of cochlear implants on cognitive function in elderly people with deafness. Deafness has been found to be independently associated with a 30–40 per cent accelerated rate of cognitive decline in elderly adults. There is currently no effective treatment for cognitive decline. The intended outcomes of this observational study will help us to understand the biological process of cognitive decline, whether hearing loss is causal, and whether the process can be altered. These findings should be applicable to all individuals with hearing loss. If cochlear implants delay cognitive decline, this would significantly affect policy, quality of life for the elderly, and the cost to society.Read moreRead less