From research to results: How Matt is advancing best-practice care, for everyone who needs it

As an Audiologist, Matt Croteau felt the great privilege of helping people on their individual hearing health journeys. Now, he’s making a difference on a far-reaching scale at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL). As a Research Audiologist, Matt evaluates and develops new technologies and solutions that improve the lives of Australians, no matter who they are. Discover how Matt’s building a career to be proud of.

Helping people get the best out of life

Australia offers an abundance of stunning landscapes - from rainforest to the sea, to the stark beauty of the Outback. When Matt Croteau spends time hiking and camping in the great outdoors, it’s not only the visual aspect he sets out to enjoy and capture - it’s also the sounds.

“I do a lot of ambience and nature recording,” Matt says, “so I like to bring a bunch of gear with me to get some really nice recordings of locations a lot of people can’t access or hear. It’s nice to share an Australian rainforest with a friend who lives in Canada. People take photos every day of their lives, but it’s not often they record the sounds.”

Matt strives to help many more people connect with sounds as a Research Audiologist. As part of the team at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), Hearing Australia’s research division, Matt is at the forefront of hearing research and innovation. By focusing on people whose ear and hearing health needs have been unmet, Matt and the researchers at NAL find solutions that help more children and adults get the best out of life, here in Australia - and beyond.

“Our priorities are to improve hearing health care in Australia, but our work and solutions are watched very closely globally. We are in a fortunate position as we have the freedom to explore solutions for small segments of the population who don’t currently have the service or technology they need. We have the chance to do things that others may not be doing."

A career that matters

Joining Hearing Australia in 2021 as an audiologist, Matt thrived on the challenge of assessing, diagnosing and rehabilitating adults, children and people with complex hearing difficulties. He also valued working side-by-side with people equally passionate about providing best-practice care.

“The enthusiasm of my co-workers made all the difference. You could have a busy day but never a bad day. It’s just really great to work with a team that has boundless energy.”

As Matt expanded his clinical knowledge, skills and experience, he set himself a longer-term goal.

“NAL was always at the back of my mind. I have a background in acoustic engineering and research, so I felt I could make a valuable contribution, and I thought that’s where I could go in five to 10 years.”

With the support of his manager, Matt’s opportunity arrived sooner than he anticipated, and in 2022, he joined the talented, multidisciplinary team at NAL. “NAL has a really strong reputation internationally for the work it’s been doing for 75 years, so it was a bit intimidating for me at first,” Matt reflects. “But I have to say, the people here are not only incredibly brilliant and powerful in terms of their expertise, but they’re so approachable and nice. I was made to feel very welcome.”

As a Research Audiologist, Matt evaluates and develops new, innovative technologies and solutions for Hearing Australia and our clients.

“Sometimes, I’m the worker bee, heavily involved in data collection. Other times, I’m conceptualising studies or assessing hearing instruments and new tech. I enjoy the tech side, but I also love interacting with people and participants, so when a project crosses over both, I really enjoy that.”

Matt has contributed to some interesting and high-impact projects at NAL. Most recently, he’s been involved in a study of unilateral hearing loss - the loss of hearing in one ear.

“Unilateral hearing loss affects a small population. Tech devices do exist to help, but they haven’t been very effective or innovative. This is our chance to improve technology in an area that many others aren't working on. We’re actually developing tech that doesn’t yet exist, which will eventually go on to help people.”

On a journey to better

Of course, developing new hearing health solutions takes time. Matt says it’s important to be patient, flexible and recognise the small steps towards progress. 

“There are a lot of questions in hearing health that still need answers, and we’re working very strongly on that. In some cases, research takes years, so it’s exciting when projects wrap up and you see their impact.”

Matt’s already helped NAL and Hearing Australia achieve some incredible things, and he looks forward to continuing on our journey to even better.

“The opportunities are incredible. When I look over the past year or two, I’m pretty amazed by the projects I’ve been involved in, but there’s so much more I want to accomplish in my research. I have big plans, and I want to continue - it would be a shame to miss out!”

This content features real employees of Hearing Australia, sharing their own personal comments, views, opinions, and individual experiences of Hearing Australia.