Western Australian innovators have developed ClearDrum, the world’s first prosthetic device designed to repair chronic ruptured eardrums, a significant advancement with global implications for ear health. Lead researcher Dr. Filippo Valente has secured $143,316 (AUD) in funding from the state government to prepare for manufacturing and clinical trials of this groundbreaking technology.
ClearDrum is an implantable prosthetic eardrum made using material derived from silkworms. It was developed by the Ear Science Institute Australia (Ear Science) and first conceived by Professor Marcus Atlas. Millions of people worldwide suffer from eardrum perforations each year, caused by trauma, infections, or genetic conditions. This new technology promises to revolutionize treatment for chronic middle ear disease, a leading cause of hearing loss, particularly among Indigenous populations in Australia and underserved communities globally.
Unlike small, acute perforations that may heal naturally, complex or chronic cases often require tympanoplasty—a surgical repair using graft material from the patient. ClearDrum aims to simplify and improve this process. Professor Marcus Atlas emphasized, “Our innovation will change the way the tympanic membrane is repaired and enhance the treatment and quality of life of patients worldwide.”
Dr. Filippo Valente, Chief Technology Officer at ClearDrum, has led research and development since 2020.
“The state government’s support of researchers like me being able to translate their science into clinically in-demand products is testament to their vision for an innovative WA in biomedical science product development”
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the significance of the funding, noting, “WA’s incredible innovators continue to produce groundbreaking and life-changing technology. Innovative projects like these are life-changing for people who suffer from debilitating medical conditions and diseases.”
The funding comes from the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Innovation Fellowships program, which aims to bolster health and medical advancements in Western Australia, fostering innovation and mentorship among researchers. Ear Science Institute Australia remains a global leader in hearing research, operating 16 clinics in Western Australia and four in New South Wales, with proceeds directed toward furthering ear and hearing disorder research.
About Ear Science Institute Australia
Ear Science Institute Australia is a not-for-profit medical research organization dedicated to ear and hearing care, education, and world-class research. As an active member of the World Hearing Forum, Ear Science strives to advance treatments and find cures for hearing loss, impacting communities across the West Pacific and beyond.
About ClearDrum
ClearDrum is a revolutionary prosthetic eardrum created by Ear Science Institute Australia. Using silkworm-derived material, ClearDrum is designed to repair chronic eardrum perforations, offering a promising new solution to improve patient outcomes worldwide.
About Lions Hearing Clinic
Lions Hearing Clinic is a network of hearing care centers operated by Ear Science Institute Australia. With proceeds from clinical services funding groundbreaking research, Lions Hearing Clinic is committed to delivering high-quality care and advancing hearing science for future generations.
Source: ESIA
