"Hearing impairment affects millions of people worldwide, including one in six Australians.

"Former President of the Australian Academy of Sciences, Sir Gustav Nossal describes the cochlear implant as the only medical device which can effectively restore one of the human senses.

"By offering specialist training in cochlear implants, we can help many thousands of people reconnect with education, employment and the community."

The Cochlear Clinical Skills Institute is a world-class medical facility, including a $2 million surgical laboratory, audiology education centre and lecture rooms and based in the Australian Hearing Hub at Macquarie University.

It offers training in cochlear implantation for hearing professionals from NSW, Australia and worldwide. Overseas surgeons will also access Institute procedures via electronic links and training visits.

The Institute was declared open by NSW Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disabilities, the Hon John Ajaka MLC.

This morning's official opening was immediately followed by commencement of training for surgeons from the Middle East, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

Dr Roberts said the Institute would also help build the global infrastructure value chain for the delivery of cochlear implants as a high technology intervention.

Over the last 30 years, Cochlear has helped restore the hearing of more than 350,000 people, including current Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai.

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