The Viani Research Centre's strategic vision is to lead hearing research in Ireland — incubating scientific discoveries and engineering approaches, addressing fundamental research into the neuroscience of hearing, the development of interventions, and the next generation of life-long implantable devices.
The Viani Research Centre strives to conduct high quality basic and translational research on hearing, hearing loss and auditory implants — and to improve quality of life and educational outcomes of people with hearing loss.
Focus
Hearing & implants
Approach
Basic & translational
As technology advances, surgical techniques adapt to embrace new developments — such as electrode design. Our surgical and medical team continuously innovate surgical approaches and play an important role in advising manufacturers on design, safety and candidacy.
Since 2014, children with profound hearing loss receive bilateral implantation in Ireland — promoting spatial awareness by providing access to sound in both ears. We are assessing how the brain adapts to two implants, whether received simultaneously or some years apart.
The majority of children with cochlear implants attend mainstream primary and secondary schools, and progress to third level and employment. We continuously audit educational outcomes and advise schools and government on additional support required.
Ageing has an impact on brain function and cognition. At the NHIVRC we are interested in learning how to optimise cochlear implant settings to ensure optimal cognitive performance and easier listening.
For a complete list, please contact the research team.
Sequential Bilateral Implantation in Older Children: Inter Implant Map Differences and their Effects on Functional Outcomes.
Simões-Franklin C, Flood I, Sechler S, et al. Clinical Otolaryngol 2020 Jul;45(4):459-465.
Impact of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) in Ireland on Cochlear Implanted Children.
Gabriel MM, Geyer L, McHugh C, et al. Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020 Jun;133:109975.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Visit lab LabEngineering and clinical neuroscience collaboration
Visit labAt the NHIVRC we are focused on improving quality of life by facilitating hearing and communication.
There are always research projects happening at the Viani Research Centre. If you would like to be contacted with details on our ongoing research, please email the team.
