A world-class centre dedicated to finding solutions for ear, hearing and balance disorders for Western Australians will benefit from $3.5million in Lotterywest funding.
Health Minister Jim McGinty today presented the grant to the Ear Science Institute Australia (ESIA) to help fund a $16million world-class research and clinical facility.
The facility is under construction in Subiaco and is expected to be completed in March 2009.
“Once complete, this centre will cement WA’s reputation as a world leader in hearing loss research and treatment,” Mr McGinty said.
“It will be the first time all elements in the treatment of hearing loss and ear disease have been brought together - from researchers to surgeons and post-operative care.
“The institute has undertaken some truly groundbreaking work, including successfully growing a new eardrum from human skin cells.”
Ear Science Institute Australia Director, Professor Marcus Atlas, said the Institute was delighted to receive such generous support from Lotterywest.
“This brings us significantly closer to achieving the vision of establishing a world-class research and clinical facility for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders here in Perth," Professor Atlas said.
Hearing loss is the second most prevalent health condition in Australia.
Four million Australians, or one in five people, experience significant hearing loss and 400,000 Western Australians suffer hearing and balance disorders.
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