The CDC research program revolves around the centre’s mission of enhancing the quality of life of people across the lifespan, with particular focus on those affected by communication disability.

  • The World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is used as a theoretical framework shaping research within the centre
  • Key areas for research include: adult hearing impairment, adult neurogenic communication disorders, and paediatric communication disorders.  


Adult Hearing Impairment:

Current projects in hearing impairment include investigating:
  • Methods for improving the uptake and outcomes of hearing rehabilitation by adults – projects supported by grant money from the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) rehabilitation intervention decision making in older adults with hearing loss
  • The influence of pre-fitting counseling about realistic hearing aid expectations on hearing aid outcomes
  • Third-party disability in the spouses of older adults with hearing impairment

For more information about projects in the area of hearing impairment please contact Louise Hickson (co-director). 


Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders:

Current projects in the area of adult neurogenic communication disorders include:
  • Development of a clinical pathway for aphasia rehabilitation within Australia – projects supported by the Clinical Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation
  • Investigating the concept of aphasia friendly patient-education materials and environments
  • Investigating the goals of people with aphasia, their families and their speech pathologists
  • Exploring the meaning of living successfully with aphasia for people with aphasia, their families and speech pathologists
For more information about projects in the area of adult neurogenic communication disorders, please contact Linda Worrall (co-director).
 


The Communication Research Registry:

The CDC helps to maintain a register of people who have a communication disability who are interested in research participation.  This includes people with aphasia or a hearing loss. Read more about the Communication Research Registry.  
 

Paediatric Communication Disorders:

Current projects in the area of communication disability in childhood include:
  • Exploring the views of parents and professionals working with children who have cerebral palsy and complex communication needs of these children in hospital.
  • Investigating the benefits of cochlear implantation for children with hearing impairment
  • Investigating speech and language outcomes for children with hearing impairment
For more information about projects in the area of research on communication disability in childhood please contact Nerina Scarinci.
 


Other Research:

Other research projects extending beyond the scope of the key areas outlined above, but in keeping with the centre’s mission include:
  • The design and evaluation of a post discharge education and support package for stroke clients and their carers
  • Evaluation of aural rehabilitation services for adults in Malaysia.