Bionics Institute, Australia
Dr Demi Gao is a Senior Research Scientist at the Bionics Institute of Australia and holds an Honorary Research Fellow position at the University of Melbourne.
Demi uses computational methods and machine learning techniques to study hearing performance with cochlear implants and how the brain processes sound. She has developed industrial collaborations with Cochlear Ltd, where she leads projects on maximising the performance of cochlear implants, so they work as well as possible.
Improving listening outcomes for infants with cochlear implants
Read about Demi’s research projectDemi’s approaches to hearing research
The next big step forwards will be objective assessments (measures which are not influenced by the measurer’s perception or opinion) for determining hearing levels and evaluating speech perception. These objective measurements will provide more accurate and reliable information for hearing loss diagnosis and the programming of hearing devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Engaging people with hearing loss or tinnitus in hearing research would make a biggest impact on hearing research. Focusing on the needs of people with lived experience can drive research to achieve more effective and valuable outcomes. Engaging people with lived experience in the research process and incorporating their feedback can lead to innovations that better address their unique challenges.
Hearing loss as a public health issue is sometimes underappreciated or treated as a “solved problem”. This can affect government/private funding towards hearing research, policy support, and the willingness of young researchers to enter this field.
Seeing people communicate smoothly with cochlear implants always motivates me to further improve the lives of people who have hearing loss.
Coming from a background of information technology and neuroscience, I am always passionate about using advanced technology to improve people’s lives. Studying in Australia has provided me with great opportunities to work in the field of hearing loss, particularly as the cochlear implant is one of the most important inventions of Australia.
The ultimate goal of my research is to develop an effective clinical tool for objective hearing assessment and personalised cochlear implant programming.
The RNID Innovation Seed Fund award has provided me with a crucial first step towards developing an objective method for hearing level assessment. It has also strengthened my confidence in further developing my career in hearing research.