Visionary Behind the Bionic Ear Honoured in 2024 Pause Awards Hall of Fame

The Pause Awards 2024 celebrated a historic milestone by inducting Professor Graeme M. Clark AC, the inventor of the bionic ear, into its prestigious Hall of Fame. This honor recognised his groundbreaking contributions to hearing technology and the profound impact of his work on hundreds of thousands of lives globally.

The induction of Professor Clark was the highlight of the 7th annual Pause Awards, which also recognised 34 outstanding winners across five category tracks. The prestigious honor was presented the night before by Sonia Clarke, Principal at Clever Manka and Chair of the Pause Awards. In an emotional moment, Professor Clark’s daughter accepted the award on his behalf. 

Attendees were also treated to a recorded video of Professor Clark sharing his incredible life story, which you can watch below. Leading the pack among this year’s winners were companies like Open, Applied EV, Heatseeker, Kismet, and Melodie, each embodying the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.

Speaking about the induction, George Hedon, Founder of the Pause Awards, remarked, “Graeme Clark’s journey is the ultimate embodiment of a breakthrough. His story captures the essence of what the Pause Awards stand for—celebrating disruptors who dare to challenge convention and achieve the extraordinary.”

Reimagining Sound: The Birth of the Bionic Ear

Professor Clark’s groundbreaking work began with a simple yet audacious question: Could nerve deafness be treated through technology? As an ear surgeon, he encountered the profound limitations of existing treatments and decided to explore an uncharted path—creating a device that could transmit sound signals directly to the brain.

“My goal was to solve a problem many thought impossible,” Clark said. His vision was to break speech into “parcels of information” and deliver them to the auditory nerve using electrical stimulation.

This ambitious idea was met with skepticism. “I was mocked, even called ‘Crown Clark’ in America,” Clark recalled. “Some critics went so far as to liken my work to passing a light bulb up the backside and switching on electricity.”

Yet, a chance moment of inspiration changed everything. While walking on a beach, he observed how a shell’s flexible, tapered structure mirrored the cochlea’s delicate spirals. This insight became the foundation for his revolutionary design: a multi-channel electrode capable of navigating the intricate anatomy of the ear.

Transforming Lives: The First Cochlear Implant

In 1978, after years of experimentation and relentless effort, Professor Clark achieved a monumental breakthrough. He performed the world’s first successful multi-channel cochlear implant surgery on Rod Saunders, a man who had been profoundly deaf for decades.

“It was a moment of pure joy,” Clark said. “When Rod heard the speech for the first time, it was proof that years of hard work and belief could overcome even the toughest challenges.”

This breakthrough paved the way for clinical trials, supported by the University of Melbourne and med-tech leader Cochlear Limited. By 1985, the implant became the first of its kind to receive FDA approval in the United States, ushering in a new era of hearing technology.

Today, more than 700,000 people across 180 countries have cochlear implants, reconnecting them to the world of sound and transforming their lives.

A Legacy of Innovation

Professor Clark’s contributions extend beyond the cochlear implant. As the namesake of the Graham Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, he continues to inspire cutting-edge research in areas such as bionic vision, robotics, spinal cord repair, and vaccine development.

“I hope to see the day when people with spinal injuries will walk again,” he shared. “Science has the power to not only heal but to redefine human potential.”

Clark also emphasised the importance of fostering curiosity in the next generation. “Careers in STEM are incredibly rewarding,” he said. “They allow you to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Celebrating Innovation Across Australia

The Pause Awards 2024 not only celebrated individual brilliance but also showcased the collective power of Australian innovation. Companies like Open, Applied EV, and Heatseeker emerged as multiple award winners, reflecting the dynamism and creativity driving the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Reflecting on the evening, Hedon concluded, “Our Hall of Fame inductees and award winners remind us that bold ideas and unwavering determination are the keys to progress. Professor Clark’s story, in particular, serves as an enduring inspiration for innovators everywhere.”