Graeme Clark: the man who invented the bionic ear

by Mark Worthing

The story of the man behind one of the truly great inventions of the late 20th century: the cochlear implant which has brought the gift of hearing to thousands of children and adults around the world.
As a young man, Graeme Clark read about Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie and other great scientists, little knowing that one day he would join their ranks. After watching his father struggle with hearing problems, Graeme knew he wanted to find a solution to deafness.

Graeme became a surgeon, and his quiet persistence and methodical approach yielded results that fulfilled his childhood dream. Around the world, hundreds of thousands of people have now received the gift of hearing from the cochlear implant he developed. The first major medical 'bionic' implant technology, it has transformed the everyday lives of people who are profoundly deaf. Throughout his career, his belief that the impossible could be achieved, his strong family support and his Christian faith have sustained him through many obstacles, and helped him overcome resistance to his ideas from people who doubted them.

This new biography tells the inspiring story of Graeme's life, and the triumphs and the setbacks behind the invention of the bionic ear.

238 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2015

About the author

Mark Worthing is a historian of science and a senior researcher with Lutheran Education Australia, Adelaide.

Reviews

[Rosanne Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is non fiction I thought I would read a chapter a day and make it last. But I couldn't do it. I had to finish it all at once. Worthing states in the introduction that he had to understand what it was about this "seemingly ordinary an unassuming man that led him to defy the scientific and medical wisdom of the day and develop the world's first functional...bionic ear." This book is not so much the story of the bionic ear but of the life of the man who made it a reality. Worthing's biography is so accessible, so enjoyable and seemingly simply written. This last comment is a deception of course as I can imagine how much research, time, work, effort and Worthing brilliance poured into making this book such an effortless read that anyone can enjoy. Worthing writes with humour, respect and passion, and shows this remarkable man's life, his faith and persistence. Graeme Clark's achievement was made possible through vision and determination in the face of all obstacles. I found it extremely moving: a child born deaf hears her mother's voice for the first time. Another such a child (Li Cunxin's daughter) plays a piano recital. And yet Worthing just as sensitively discusses the deaf community's reaction to the bionic ear. I have heard Graeme Clark speak at Tabor Adelaide's graduation ceremony and was enthralled by his story and his humility. Mark Worthing has succeeded in capturing that man on paper.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Graeme Clark, the man who invented the bionic ear. This book was readable and looked more at Graeme's life than the technical aspects of his invention. I really enjoyed how Graeme's faith was shared in a matter of fact way, it is just part of his life and who he is, and how it fits with his science.

This book tells the story of a humble man who just wanted to fix ears, who went and achieved that goal.

[Frances Slabber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Audiologist, I absolutely loved this book. So well written and kudos to a brilliant doctor and researcher Graeme Clark who made this story possible

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly inspirational book which details the life and work of the humble Australian man whose invention of the bionic ear has brought joy to thousands of people around the world by once again enabling them to hear. I particularly appreciated Worthing's emphasis on the uncomplicated reliance on Clark's faith as it relates to his work and life. Highly recommended.

[Eliza Genang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, not my favourite prose style.