Emeritus Professor Louise Hickson
Emeritus Professor

Louise Hickson

Email: 

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 she 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. Louise 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

Aged health care Allied health and rehabilitation science Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical sciences Health Sciences

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 Kong, Korea, Iran, Germany and Sweden. She is committed to the transfer of knowledge into practice and has extensive professional links that facilitate this transfer.

Search Professor Louise Hickson’s works on UQ eSpace

328 works between 1986 and 2025
All (328) Journal Article (272) Book Chapter (19) Conference Publication (31) Book (5) Edited Outputs (1)

81 - 100 of 328 works

2017

Journal Article

What factors are associated with autonomous and controlled motivation for hearing help-seekers?

Ridgway, Jason, Hickson, Louise and Lind, Christopher (2017). What factors are associated with autonomous and controlled motivation for hearing help-seekers?. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 28 (7), 644-654. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.16098

What factors are associated with autonomous and controlled motivation for hearing help-seekers?

2017

Journal Article

Difficult conversations: talking about cost in audiology consultations with older adults

Ekberg, Katie, Barr, Caitlin and Hickson, Louise (2017). Difficult conversations: talking about cost in audiology consultations with older adults. International Journal of Audiology, 56 (11), 854-861. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1339128

Difficult conversations: talking about cost in audiology consultations with older adults

2017

Journal Article

Exploring audiologists’ language and hearing aid uptake in initial rehabilitation appointments

Sciacca, Anna, Meyer, Carly, Ekberg, Katie, Barr, Caitlin and Hickson, Louise (2017). Exploring audiologists’ language and hearing aid uptake in initial rehabilitation appointments. American Journal of Audiology, 26 (2), 110-118. doi: 10.1044/2017_AJA-16-0061

Exploring audiologists’ language and hearing aid uptake in initial rehabilitation appointments

2017

Journal Article

Audiological management of adults with hearing impairment in Malaysia

Ali, Akmaliza, Hickson, Louise and Meyer, Carly (2017). Audiological management of adults with hearing impairment in Malaysia. International Journal of Audiology, 56 (6), 408-416. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1305515

Audiological management of adults with hearing impairment in Malaysia

2017

Journal Article

Hearing aid use in the elderly as measured by datalogging and self-report

Solheim, Jorunn and Hickson, Louise (2017). Hearing aid use in the elderly as measured by datalogging and self-report. International Journal of Audiology, 56 (7), 472-479. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1303201

Hearing aid use in the elderly as measured by datalogging and self-report

2017

Journal Article

The IJA system for systematic reviews: “the whys and hows”*

Morata, Thais C. , Hickson, Louise and Wong, Lena (2017). The IJA system for systematic reviews: “the whys and hows”*. International Journal of Audiology, 56 (4), 1-3. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2016.1275044

The IJA system for systematic reviews: “the whys and hows”*

2017

Conference Publication

Hearing aid use and mild hearing impairment: learnings from big data

Timmer, Barbra H. B., Hickson, Louise and Launer, Stefan (2017). Hearing aid use and mild hearing impairment: learnings from big data. Reston, VA, United States: American Academy of Audiology. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.16104

Hearing aid use and mild hearing impairment: learnings from big data

2017

Journal Article

Management of swallowing and communication difficulties in Down syndrome: a survey of speech-language pathologists

Meyer, Carly, Theodoros, Deborah and Hickson, Louise (2017). Management of swallowing and communication difficulties in Down syndrome: a survey of speech-language pathologists. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19 (1), 87-98. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2016.1221454

Management of swallowing and communication difficulties in Down syndrome: a survey of speech-language pathologists

2016

Journal Article

Communication outcomes of children with hearing loss enrolled in programs implementing different educational approaches: a systematic review

Erbasi, Ennur, Hickson, Louise and Scarinci, Nerina (2016). Communication outcomes of children with hearing loss enrolled in programs implementing different educational approaches: a systematic review. Speech, Language and Hearing, 20 (2), 1-20. doi: 10.1080/2050571X.2016.1238611

Communication outcomes of children with hearing loss enrolled in programs implementing different educational approaches: a systematic review

2016

Journal Article

Provision, perception and use of trainable hearing aids in Australia: a survey of clinicians and hearing impaired adults

Walravens, Els, Keidser, Gitte and Hickson, Louise (2016). Provision, perception and use of trainable hearing aids in Australia: a survey of clinicians and hearing impaired adults. International Journal of Audiology, 55 (12), 787-795. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2016.1219776

Provision, perception and use of trainable hearing aids in Australia: a survey of clinicians and hearing impaired adults

2016

Journal Article

Parental involvement in the care and intervention of children with hearing loss

Erbasi, Ennur, Scarinci, Nerina, Hickson, Louise and Ching, Teresa Y. C. (2016). Parental involvement in the care and intervention of children with hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 57 (sup2), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2016.1220679

Parental involvement in the care and intervention of children with hearing loss

2016

Journal Article

Conversation breakdowns in the audiology clinic: the importance of mutual gaze

Ekberg, Katie, Hickson, Louise and Grenness, Caitlin (2016). Conversation breakdowns in the audiology clinic: the importance of mutual gaze. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 52 (3), 346-355. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12277

Conversation breakdowns in the audiology clinic: the importance of mutual gaze

2016

Journal Article

What is the international classification of functioning, disability and health and why is it relevant to audiology?

Meyer, Carly, Grenness, Caitlin, Scarinci, Nerina and Hickson, Louise (2016). What is the international classification of functioning, disability and health and why is it relevant to audiology?. Seminars in Hearing, 37 (3), 163-186. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1584412

What is the international classification of functioning, disability and health and why is it relevant to audiology?

2016

Journal Article

Auditory deprivation and health in the elderly

Cherko, Matthew, Hickson, Louise and Bhutta, Mahmood (2016). Auditory deprivation and health in the elderly. Maturitas, 88, 52-57. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.03.008

Auditory deprivation and health in the elderly

2016

Journal Article

Application of the transtheoretical model of behaviour change for identifying older clients’ readiness for hearing rehabilitation during history-taking in audiology appointments

Ekberg, Katie, Grenness, Caitlin and Hickson, Louise (2016). Application of the transtheoretical model of behaviour change for identifying older clients’ readiness for hearing rehabilitation during history-taking in audiology appointments. International Journal of Audiology, 55 (Supp 3), S42-S51. doi: 10.3109/14992027.2015.1136080

Application of the transtheoretical model of behaviour change for identifying older clients’ readiness for hearing rehabilitation during history-taking in audiology appointments

2016

Journal Article

Beyond hearing loss: self- management in audiological practice

Convery, Elizabeth, Keidser, Gitte, Hickson, Louise and Meyer, Carly (2016). Beyond hearing loss: self- management in audiological practice. The Hearing Journal, 69 (3), 22-28. doi: 10.1097/01.HJ.0000481806.21204.6b

Beyond hearing loss: self- management in audiological practice

2016

Journal Article

Decision-making and outcomes of hearing help-seekers: a self-determination theory perspective

Ridgway, Jason, Hickson, Louise and Lind, Christopher (2016). Decision-making and outcomes of hearing help-seekers: a self-determination theory perspective. International Journal of Audiology, 55 (sup3), 1-10. doi: 10.3109/14992027.2015.1120893

Decision-making and outcomes of hearing help-seekers: a self-determination theory perspective

2016

Journal Article

The international classification of functioning, disability and health as a framework for providing patient- and family-centered audiological care for older adults and their significant others

Grenness, Caitlin, Meyer, Carly, Scarinci, Nerina, Ekberg, Katie and Hickson, Louise (2016). The international classification of functioning, disability and health as a framework for providing patient- and family-centered audiological care for older adults and their significant others. Seminars in Hearing, 37 (3), 187-199. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1584411.

The international classification of functioning, disability and health as a framework for providing patient- and family-centered audiological care for older adults and their significant others

2016

Journal Article

Evaluation of a modified user guide for hearing aid management

Caposecco, Andrea, Hickson, Louise, Meyer, Carly and Khan, Asaduzzaman (2016). Evaluation of a modified user guide for hearing aid management. Ear and Hearing, 37 (1), 27-37. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000221

Evaluation of a modified user guide for hearing aid management

2016

Conference Publication

Does patient-clinician communication influence patients' decisions to obtain hearing aids?

Meyer, C., Grenness, C., Khan, A. and Hickson, L. (2016). Does patient-clinician communication influence patients' decisions to obtain hearing aids?. 2016 GSA Annual Scientific Meeting, New Orleans, LA, United States, 16-20 November 2016. Cary, NC, United States: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnw162.1234

Does patient-clinician communication influence patients' decisions to obtain hearing aids?

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Improving the psychosocial and emotional well-being of adults with hearing loss through co-designed evidence-based services: ACE2.0
    NHMRC Targeted Research
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Improving access to the hearing services program for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
    NHMRC Targeted Research
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Unspoken, Unheard, Unmet: Improving Access to Preventative Health Care through Better Conversations about Care
    NHMRC MRFF Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2025
    The effect of individualised, vibrotactile neurofeedback training on postural stability in older adults with hearing impairment: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial
    Sonova AG
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2026
    Adults with mild hearing impairment: Challenges and predictors of successful hearing aid fitting outcomes
    Sonova AG
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022
    Develop a HSP Service Pathway and Decision Support Tool
    Commonwealth Department of Health
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Hearing, social connectedness, and well-being of ageing adults in Australia
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    To tell or not to tell? The stigma experiences of adults with hearing impairment and their families
    GN Hearing Care Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Establishing a Sonova-UQ Hearing and Balance Research Centre
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Feasibility of a RCT of the Active Communication Education (ACE) programme plus hearing aid provision versus hearing aid provision alone
    Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Family-centred care in paediatric hearing rehabilitation programs: How is it being implemented in day to day practice?
    Deafness Foundation (Victoria)
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Improving rehabilitation outcomes for adults with hearing impairment and their family members: A family-centred care approach
    Flinders University
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Improving the health and well-being of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members with hearing loss and their families: A family-centred care approach
    DHF Establishment Grants
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Enabling equal access using e-health
    HEARing CRC
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Validation of the Phonak Support App for Hearing Aid Management and Trouble-Shooting
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2021
    The Communication Research Registry
    Speech Pathology Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Occupational hearing loss induced by solvents and noise: development of new strategies for hearing loss prevention programs in the workplace
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    The Communication Disability Registry: expanding research opportunities.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2014
    Overcoming barriers to hearing rehabilitation in adults
    HEARing CRC
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Staff communication in aged care facilities: a key factor in delivering resident-focused care
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Evaluating the active communication education program for older people with hearing impairment
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2001
    An evaluation of feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention that promotes residents' participation in decision-making and life roles
    Blue Care
    Open grant
  • 1997
    A comparison of the everyday communication of healthy older people and older people with aphisia
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1998
    Multichannel compression amplification in hearing aids: optimizing speech perception
    NHMRC Project - Special Initiative Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1996
    Communication impairment, disability and handicap in the ethnic aged
    PHRDC - Project Grants
    Open grant

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

Completed supervision

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:

communications@uq.edu.au