A pioneer in the field of cochlear implants for children with complex medical conditions, Associate Professor Catherine Birman is the Medical Director of the SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, a service of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC). She is also a Conjoint Professor at Macquarie University and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, practicing at hospitals across Sydney, including Macquarie University Hospital, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Royal Prince Alfred, and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Sydney Adventist hospitals.

One of the most experienced cochlear implant surgeons in the world, Catherine has performed over 1,000 cochlear implant procedures during her illustrious career, including fitting implants for children and adults ranging from three months to 94 years of age. Her career and charitable works have also made her a trail-blazer and inspiring role model for all women, particularly because she is the third female Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon to qualify in New South Wales.

“I am honoured to win the NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year. This award provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of treating hearing loss,” commented Catherine on her achievement. “My hope is that all people with hearing loss seek help and that people who would benefit from a cochlear implant take up this life changing technology.”

Now in their sixth year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate women who have demonstrated excellence in their career and elsewhere. Catherine was one of four finalists in the ‘Woman of the Year’ category in this year’s NSW Premier’s Awards.

The Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC) Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service, supports clients to access a range of implantable hearing devices according to their needs. The program provides a seamless, end-to-end suite of services, from early intervention and education through to specialist assessment, surgical liaison and support, and rehabilitation services, delivering the highest level of care and support to all ages.

Learn more about Catherine’s clinical work and research.