FutureHear & 3D Facial Scanning

About

A Queensland University of Technology and Hear and Say partnership to develop next-generation medical solutions for children with microtia (born with no ear or an underdeveloped ear). We are developing hi tech 3D printing and biofabrication technology to create new ear prosthetics and permanent implantable ears which are child-specific. This project is seed funded by the Queensland Government Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation.

Microtia

 This congenital disorder occurs in 1 in 6,000 births world wide. It causes a deformity of one or both ears in which the outer ear is underdeveloped or absent. Microtia is almost always accompanied by Atresia because the baby’s outer ear and the ear canal develop together during pregnancy. For more infomation and support please go to the Australian Microtia and Atresia Support Centre

Our Team

Biofabrication and Tissue Morphology Group

Our research aim is to generate new knowledge on tissue-scaffold interaction leading to next generation technology development. Our pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the success of our biofabrication approach to tissue engineering in vivo. With continued intensive research, we aim to translate this revolutionary technology from the laboratory into routine clinical use.

Hear and Say

Our aim is to help all children to hear, listen and speak so they can attend a regular school, have wider career choices and can more fully participate in their community. Hear and Say interfaces state-of-the-art hearing technology (digital hearing aids and implantable technology such as cochlear implants) with the Auditory-Verbal Therapy approach. We are committed to using clinical research to measure outcomes.


Chief Investigators

Publications