Case Study - Cochlear Limited

Cochlear Limited was inducted into the Australian Export Awards Hall of Fame in 2008 

Winner: 

1988 Medium Manufacturer Award
2003 Medium Manufactuer Award
2007 Large Advanced Manufacturer Award
2007 Australian Exporter of the Year

Finalist:

1990 Manufacturer Award

Cochlear Limited is a pioneer in the field of implantable hearing solutions, with over 25 years of experience in the research and development of the Cochlear implant. It's Nucleus® Cochlear implant systems have already restored the hearing of more than 120,000 recipients worldwide.
 
Dr Chris Roberts, Cochlear's Chief Executive Officer, said Austrade had been a critical supporter of the company, advising on changes to distribution models, resulting in the trebling of sales over the past six years. "Working with Austrade over the Years has really had a positive impact on our business and we continue to work with Austrade in a number of market development areas."

Cochlear continues to develop implant systems, with the latest model, Nucleus® Freedom™, exceeding sales expectations, within 12 months of launching.

In 1985 it was the first cochlear implant system to gain US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for use by adults; it received FDA clearance for use by children in 1990.

It was the first cochlear impant system approved in Japan in 1991.

The company is aware that a huge need remains for its hearing devices, as it is implanting less than 10 per cent of people in need each year. Today, Cochlear has a 70 per cent share of the global market, employing over 1,900 people worldwide and exporting to more than 100 countries.