Queensland Speakers
Caroline Balke
Caroline Balke has worked in both adult and paediatric diagnostic audiology for 17 years. Her primary role has been as a Senior Audiologist at the Mater Hospital, where she is known for her work in the area of Vestibular Audiology. She has also worked closely with the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Department to help optimize outcomes for patients, including those with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Caroline has also been an Associate Lecturer for the Audiology Department at the University of QLD since 2014 and continues to work with the Australian Catholic University and Vestibular Education Australia, educating Physiotherapy students on the role of Audiologists.
Corinne Edgeworth
Corinne Edgeworth is a diagnostic audiology specialist who has been working with Neurosensory for the last 6 years in their Brisbane City, Brisbane South, and Gold Coast regions. Her particular interests are in vestibular, auditory processing, and cochlear implants. Corinne believes in a multidisciplinary approach to the management and treatment of those with vestibular problems and works closely with various ENT's, Vestibular Physiotherapists, and Neurologists. This approach has led her to observe consultations by health professionals from other disciplines to gain insights into their approach to the complex puzzle of vestibular diagnosis and management.
A/Prof Melanie Ferguson
A/Prof Mel Ferguson is Associate Professor in Brain and Hearing at Curtin University and is a clinically qualified audiologist. Her research interests are remote technologies and new service delivery models, listening and cognition including dementia, mental wellbeing, and outcome measures for adults with hearing loss. She has led research teams at the Ear Science Institute Australia in Perth, National Acoustic Laboratories, Sydney, and the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, UK. She has had leadership roles in UK Audiology and UK hearing healthcare policy-making.
Dr Paola Incerti
Dr. Paola Incerti has worked as Senior Research Audiologist at the National Acoustic Laboratories since 2009. Her background in hearing device rehabilitation research has been focused on optimizing listening devices to enhance outcomes for both children and adults. Specifically, her work involves the prescription of electric and acoustic stimulation methods (such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, and bimodal devices), as well as considerations related to fitting configuration (i.e., whether on the same or opposite ears). Notably, Paola has recently led two major outcome studies funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Wesley Ong
Wesley Ong is an innovative entrepreneur and audiologist who has made creativity a cornerstone of his journey in audiology. As the founder of Fidelity Hearing Centre, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional audiology, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and techniques to provide his clients with unparalleled service and care. Wesley's passion for creativity extends beyond his business ventures, as demonstrated by his leadership as the President of Ears Incorporated, where he works with a team to develop programs in developing countries to help individuals with hearing loss. His commitment to innovative solutions and fresh approach to clinical audiology has made him a sought-after speaker at various conferences and events, and his previous executive role at Independent Audiologist Australia allowed him to be at the forefront of new industry standards. He is also an accomplished drummer and has special interest in working with musicians in his clinical practice.