
Overview
Background
hearing impairment, hearing loss, hearing rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, family-centred hearing care
Louise Hickson, AM, is an Emeritus Professor of Audiology in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at The University of Queensland. She has published over 300 research articles, books and book chapters with her main focus on the effects of hearing loss on people's everyday lives and the development of strategies and interventions that improve the uptake and outcomes of hearing rehabilitation. Louise is Chair of the Phonak Expert Circle on Family-Centred Hearing Care, is on the Executive Board of the International Society or Audiology and is a Fellow and Life Member of Audiology Australia. She has received numerous awards recognising her contributions to audiology, including the international research award from the American Academy of Audiology, The University of Queensland Leadership Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hearing Australia. She is an Editor of the International Journal of Audiology amd in 2021 Emeritus Professor Hickson was Australia's Leading Researcher in the field of Audiology and Speech and Language Pathology. In 2022 became a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to tertiary education and audiology associations. She is a sought after speaker and regularly presents at conferences and meetings around the world. She also provides advice to hearing service providers both in Australia and overseas and is committed to improving services for people with hearing difficulties.
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Louise Hickson is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
- Masters (Coursework), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
-
Effects of hearing impairment on the lives of older adults and the rehabilitation of older people with hearing impairment.
Professor Hickson is recognized internationally as a leader in audiology. Her major research themes are age-related hearing impairment, the associated effects of that impairment on the communication abilities and quality of life of older adults, and the efficacy of different forms of intervention (e.g., hearing aid fitting, communication education) with this population. To a lesser extent, evaluating the efficacy of audiological interventions for children. In collaboration with Dr Adrian Fuente, she has expanded her research work to include hearing impairment acquired by noise and solvent exposure. Examples of her profile and impact are invitations to speak at 3-4 national and international conferences each year, her editorship of the International Journal of Audiology, her roles as research representative on the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing’s Hearing Services Consultancy Committee, and Australasian representative on the WHO Steering Committee on Hearing.
Research impacts
Emeritus Professor Hickson AM is a world leader in hearing rehabilitation research and her work has changed practice in Australia and overseas. For example, the Active Communication Education (ACE) program that she developed and evaluated has been used in many countries around the world including Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Chile, Hong Kon, Korea, Iran, Germany and Sweden. She is committed to the transfer of knowledge into practice and has extensive professional links that facilitate this transfer.
Works
Search Professor Louise Hickson’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
The decision to tell or not to tell is associated with experiences of stigma and hearing aid use among adults with hearing loss
Meyer, Carly, Nickbakht, Mansoureh, Ekberg, Katie, Timmer, Barbra, Scarinci, Nerina, Waite, Monique and Hickson, Louise (2025). The decision to tell or not to tell is associated with experiences of stigma and hearing aid use among adults with hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2446480
2024
Journal Article
Using Ecological Momentary Analysis to explore stigma experiences in the real world for adults with acquired hearing loss
Timmer, Barbra H. B., Ekberg, Katie, Meyer, Carly, Waite, Monique, Scarinci, Nerina, Nickbakht, Mansoureh and Hickson, Louise (2024). Using Ecological Momentary Analysis to explore stigma experiences in the real world for adults with acquired hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 1-11. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2418970
2024
Journal Article
How do adults with hearing loss, family members, and hearing care professionals respond to the stigma of hearing loss and hearing aids?
Scarinci, Nerina, Waite, Monique, Nickbakht, Mansoureh, Ekberg, Katie, Timmer, Barbra, Meyer, Carly and Hickson, Louise (2024). How do adults with hearing loss, family members, and hearing care professionals respond to the stigma of hearing loss and hearing aids?. International Journal of Audiology, 1-8. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2406885
2024
Journal Article
A laughing matter? Managing hearing difficulties in real life everyday social interactions with adults with hearing loss
Ekberg, Katie, Timmer, Barbra, Meyer, Carly, Waite, Monique, Scarinci, Nerina, Nickbakht, Mansoureh and Hickson, Louise (2024). A laughing matter? Managing hearing difficulties in real life everyday social interactions with adults with hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 1-9. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2389189
2024
Journal Article
Developing strategies to improve accessibility of hearing health services for people from diverse ethnic communities in Australia: Research Protocol
Dawes, Piers, Nickbakht, Mansoureh, Scarinci, Nerina, Newall, John, Furze, Cailyn, Nisar, Mehwish, Timmer, Barbra, Ching, Teresa Y. C., Harris-Roxas, Benjamin, Scanlan, Emma, Van Buynder, Patricia, Waite, Monique, Orlando, Marc, Kruger, Jan-Louis, Ekberg, Katie, Dib, Mayada, Ginis, Jan, Barr, Margo, Armitage, Christopher J. and Hickson, Louise (2024). Developing strategies to improve accessibility of hearing health services for people from diverse ethnic communities in Australia: Research Protocol. Figshare. doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.26499952.v1
2024
Journal Article
The experience of stigma related to hearing loss and hearing aids: perspectives of adults with hearing loss, their families, and hearing care professionals
Nickbakht, Mansoureh, Ekberg, Katie, Waite, Monique, Scarinci, Nerina, Timmer, Barbra, Meyer, Carly and Hickson, Louise (2024). The experience of stigma related to hearing loss and hearing aids: perspectives of adults with hearing loss, their families, and hearing care professionals. International Journal of Audiology, 1-8. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2353862
2024
Conference Publication
Evaluating the ecological validity of spatial hearing
Akeroyd, M., Hickson, L., Holube, I., Keidser, G., Naylor, G. and Smeds, K. (2024). Evaluating the ecological validity of spatial hearing. 10th Convention of the European Acoustics Association Forum Acusticum 2023, Torino, Italy, 11 - 15 September 2023. Turin, Italy: European Acoustics Association. doi: 10.61782/fa.2023.0457
2024
Journal Article
Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations
Timmer, Barbra H. B., Bennett, Rebecca J., Montano, Joseph, Hickson, Louise, Weinstein, Barbara, Wild, Jane, Ferguson, Melanie, Holman, Jack A., LeBeau, Valeri and Dyre, Lisa (2024). Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations. International Journal of Audiology, 63 (6), 381-392. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2190864
2023
Journal Article
To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families: introduction to the special issue
Ekberg, Katie and Hickson, Louise (2023). To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families: introduction to the special issue. International Journal of Audiology, 1-11. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651
2023
Journal Article
Developing a prototype web-based decision aid for adults with hearing loss
Hickson, Louise, Nickbakht, Mansoureh, Timmer, Barbra H. B. and Dawes, Piers (2023). Developing a prototype web-based decision aid for adults with hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 63 (10), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2279024
2023
Conference Publication
Hearing and balance in adults with hearing impairment
Hickson, L., Brauer, S., Timmer, B. H. B. and Wilson, W. J. (2023). Hearing and balance in adults with hearing impairment. AudA 2023 Conference: the 26th National Conference of Audiology Australia, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 7-10 May 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Hearing aids and balance in adults with hearing impairment
Mahafza, Marina Tareq, Wilson, Wayne J., Timmer, Barbra H.B., Brauer, Sandra and Hickson, Louise (2023). Hearing aids and balance in adults with hearing impairment. The 26th National Conference of Audiology Australia, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 7-10 May 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Improving access to the hearing services program for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Dawes, P., Scarinci, N., Newall, J., Nickbakht, M., Hickson, L., Ching, T., Armitage, C., Waite, M., Orlando, M. and Harris-Roxas, B. (2023). Improving access to the hearing services program for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Audiology Australia National Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 7-10 May 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Understanding the real-world stigma experiences of adults with hearing loss
Timmer, B.H.B., Ekberg, K., Scarinci, N., Waite, M., Meyer, C., Nickbakht, M. and Hickson, L. (2023). Understanding the real-world stigma experiences of adults with hearing loss. Audiology Australia National Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 7-10 May 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Teleaudiology vs in-clinic hearing aid follow up appointments: is there a difference in outcomes for adult clients?
Timmer, B.H.B., Waite, M. and Hickson, L. (2023). Teleaudiology vs in-clinic hearing aid follow up appointments: is there a difference in outcomes for adult clients?. Audiology Australia National Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 7-10 May 2023.
2022
Journal Article
Implementation science challenges: hearing care professionals identify barriers to clinical research
Meyer, Carly, Scarinci, Nerina, Lind, Christopher, Tulloch, Kristen, Atkins, Jenny and Hickson, Louise (2022). Implementation science challenges: hearing care professionals identify barriers to clinical research. International Journal of Audiology, 63 (1), 1-6. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2142162
2022
Journal Article
A qualitative investigation of clients, significant others, and clinicians’ experiences of using wireless microphone systems to manage hearing impairment
Scarinci, Nerina, Nickbakht, Mansoureh, Timmer, Barbra H., Ekberg, Katie, Cheng, Bonnie and Hickson, Louise (2022). A qualitative investigation of clients, significant others, and clinicians’ experiences of using wireless microphone systems to manage hearing impairment. Audiology Research, 12 (6), 596-619. doi: 10.3390/audiolres12060059
2022
Journal Article
Barriers to hearing aid adoption among older adults in mainland China
Zheng, Huili, Wong, Lena L. N. and Hickson, Louise (2022). Barriers to hearing aid adoption among older adults in mainland China. International Journal of Audiology, 62 (9), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2105263
2022
Journal Article
Evaluation of a teleaudiology service in regional Australia
Winter, Natalie, McMillan, Katie, Finch, Jennifer, da Silva, David, Whitehead, Andrea, Harvey, Desley, McBride, Liza-Jane, Hickson, Louise, Theodoros, Deborah and Russell, Trevor (2022). Evaluation of a teleaudiology service in regional Australia. International Journal of Audiology, 62 (10), 964-972. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2108913
2022
Journal Article
Improving the implementation of family-centred care in adult audiology appointments: a feasibility intervention study
Ekberg, Katie, Timmer, Barbra H., Francis, Anna and Hickson, Louise (2022). Improving the implementation of family-centred care in adult audiology appointments: a feasibility intervention study. International Journal of Audiology, 62 (9), 1-13. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2095536
Supervision
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Louise Hickson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Hearing aid use, vibrotactile neurofeedback and balance in older adults with hearing impairment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer, Dr Barbra Timmer, Associate Professor Wayne Wilson
Completed supervision
-
-
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of audiological rehabilitation services for adults with hearing impairment in Malaysia
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Adults with mild hearing impairment: Measuring real-world hearing performance
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Self-determination theory and hearing rehabilitation: The role of motivation in help-seeking, hearing aid adoption and hearing aid fitting outcomes
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Communication Outcomes of Children with Hearing Loss: Towards an Understanding of Parental Involvement
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nerina Scarinci
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Health literacy, instruction materials, and hearing aid management in older adults.
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Prognostication in Paediatric Cochlear Implantation: Principals and Practice
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
The effects of ageing and hearing impairment on spatial processing
Principal Advisor
-
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Outcomes for children with hearing loss in an Auditory-Verbal Therapy program
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Intervention decision making in audiological rehabilitation
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Master Philosophy
Cochlear implant outcomes in adults with prelingual hearing impairment
Principal Advisor
-
-
2006
Master Philosophy
AUDIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH CHANGING SENSORINEURAL HEARING THRESHOLDS
Principal Advisor
-
2006
Doctor Philosophy
CONVERSATION REPAIR AND ADULT HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Principal Advisor
-
2006
Doctor Philosophy
HEARING AID SATISFACTION AMONG CHINESE USERS: A CONSUMER RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Master Philosophy
PARENT SATISFACTION WITH A NEONATAL HEARING SCREENING PROGRAM
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Carlie Driscoll
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Family-Centred Care in Early Intervention Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Families of Children with Hearing Loss
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Monique Waite
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising hearing services for adults living with dementia and hearing impairment in residential aged care facilities.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nancy Pachana
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Conceptualisation of Patient- and Family-Centred Care for Young Adults with Hearing Loss and their Family Members
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nerina Scarinci
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Written stroke and aphasia information: Preferences of people with aphasia
Associate Advisor
-
2010
Master Philosophy
Hearing and Quality of Life in children with cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joseph Kei
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
High frequency (1000 Hz) tympanometry and acoustic stapedial reflex findings in newborn and 6-week-old infants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joseph Kei
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Third-Party Disability in Spouses of Older People with Hearing Impairment
Associate Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Patients with communication disability in acute hospital stroke units: An investigation within the ICF framework
Associate Advisor
-
2006
Doctor Philosophy
I know it can change forpeople with what I've had: ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION OF ADULTS WITH APHASIA
Associate Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND
Associate Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
THE IMPACT OF APHASIA ON THE EVERYDAY COMMUNICATION OF OLDER PEOPLE
Associate Advisor
-
2002
Master Sp Pathology
Psychometric investigation of the inpatient functional communication assessment.
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Emeritus Professor Louise Hickson directly for media enquiries about:
- Aged care facilties
- Ageing - hearing changes
- Audiological Rehabilitation
- Audiology
- Communication and deafness
- Deafness
- Hearing - changes with ageing
- Hearing aid technology
- Hearing loss
- Nursing homes
- Older people - hearing loss
- Rehabilitation
- Seniors - hearing changes
- Sensory loss
- Sight - loss of
- Technology - audiology
- Vision - loss in the aged
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: