Dr Ingeborg Hochmair

Dr Ingeborg Hochmair is an electrical engineer and internationally recognised pioneer in hearing implant technology. Ingeborg is the co‑inventor of the world’s first microelectronic, multi‑channel cochlear implant, successfully implanted in 1977. She has (co)-authored more than 120 scientific publications and holds numerous patents in the field of implantable neuroprostheses. Her contributions have been recognised with major international honours, including the Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the Russ Prize of the US National Academy of Engineering, the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal, and several honorary doctorates from leading European universities.

As Co-Founder and CEO of MED‑EL, she continues to advance translational research in hearing implants, robotic-assisted surgery and AI-driven rehabilitation, with a clear mission: to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss worldwide.