I Want to Fix Ears: Inside the Cochlear Implant Story

A giant of medical science tells the story of the invention of the bionic ear. After watching his father struggle with hearing loss, Graeme Clark overcame obstacles and opposition to bring the gift of hearing to profoundly deaf children and adults.

Starting with compelling personal testimonies from his patients, Clark charts his lifelong quest to "fix ears." He chronicles his research accomplishments and medical advances, and he recounts his battles to overcome the ridicule of peers, his tireless efforts to procure funding for his work, and his reliance on the religious and ethical values that guided his investigations.

To scientists, he commends his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, the importance of prioritising the needs and safety of patients, and the key role of effective partnerships between academia and industry.

For everyone, he demonstrates the importance of family, education, supportive colleagues, and life purpose exemplified by his deep Christian faith.

Graeme Clark questioned authority, challenged the prevailing wisdom, and rejected the status quo. His knowledge, skill, conviction, and doggedness resulted in the first recreation of a human sense. An inspiring journey of determination, enterprise, and faith.

Professor Graeme Clark pioneered the Multi-channel Cochlear Implant for severe-to-profound deafness: the first major advance in helping deaf children and adults to communicate in a world of sound.His research has given the gift of hearing to profoundly deaf people throughout the world. To date, 33,000 people in 123 countries have benefited, including 15,500 children.Graeme Clark's achievement has been recognised widely by his peers and by his country. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to medicine, and is Senior Australian of the Year for 2001-2002.