World-Leading Experts Collaborate in Sydney at Cochlear's Global Research Symposium

• Australia's world-leading research and clinical facilities based at Macquarie University will be showcased to the international audiology community at the First Heard Global Research Symposium
• As the growing burden of disabling hearing loss is set to escalate, researchers will discuss the challenges and scientific topics facing implantable hearing solutions for the coming decade

SYDNEY - 31 October 2016: There are 360 million people living with disabling hearing loss worldwide and this figure is set to increase significantly to 1.2 billion by 2050^{1, 2}. To prepare for the expanding needs of these patients, Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), together with Macquarie University and the Australian Hearing Hub, is bringing together international experts from the audiology community in a world-leading symposium.

"The symposium is not a typical conference where delegates come and listen to presentations, but a place for us to come together to identify new opportunities for collaboration, discuss the latest research and future directions — and this will ultimately support our clinical partners to enhance patient outcomes", said Jan Janssen, Senior Vice President, Design and Development, Cochlear.

The four-day Global Research Symposium will unite more than 200 multidisciplinary stakeholders along the entire spectrum of care under the theme of "First Heard", tying the transformative effect implantable hearing solutions have with the first occasion of the event. By sponsoring this unique event, Cochlear is investing in the future and uniting leading voices around the most important scientific topics facing implantable hearing solutions for the coming decade.

"Implantable hearing solutions provide extraordinary outcomes for people with severe to profound hearing loss. However, there are still many opportunities to significantly improve hearing outcomes and meet the growing needs of patients with severe to profound hearing loss", explained Janssen.

The symposium provides a unique opportunity for researchers to share new theories and innovative study concepts with their peers and a select group of world-leading scientists, enabling open discussion and debate.

"A big focus with research nowadays is looking at what promotes healthy ageing - what can allow us to not necessarily live longer, but maybe live better", said Dr. Frank Lin, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins University. "Hearing is something that hadn’t really been looked at in the context of ageing until five years ago, but it's something we’ve found can play an important role in mobility and cognitive health, both key challenges the elderly population face".

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 20 per cent of people with hearing loss would benefit from hearing loss solutions².

"We are excited to welcome the international audiology community to the Australian Hearing Hub and showcase the unique facilities located here. Not only is our research and clinical community located together at Macquarie University, it is also the global centre for Cochlear implant manufacturing", explained David McAlpine, Professor of Hearing, Language and the Brain & Director of Hearing Research at Macquarie University.

Aligned with its philosophy of collaboration in the pursuit of innovation, Cochlear is partnering with the Australian Hearing Hub and Macquarie University to facilitate the event taking place from 31 October to 3 November in Sydney, Australia.

About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 3,000 people and invested more than AUS$140 million in FY 2016 in research and development. Products include hearing systems for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants. Over 450,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear.

About Cochlear Implants

The trade name for cochlear implants manufactured by Cochlear is the Cochlear™ Nucleus® series cochlear implants. The approved indications for the use of Cochlear™ Nucleus® series cochlear implants is the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.

Please seek advice from your medical practitioner or health professional about treatments for hearing loss. They will be able to advise on a suitable solution for the hearing loss condition. All products should be used only as directed by your medical practitioner or health professional.

Not all Cochlear products are available in all countries.

Media contact
Media release distributed by Edelman on behalf of Cochlear Limited. For media enquiries please contact:
Angela Salerno-Robin
+1 (312) 233-1243
Angela.Salerno-Robin@edelman.com