Cochlear Americas Announces Winners of Graeme Clark Cochlear Scholarship.

Recipients Accept Award at Event Celebrating 25 years of Nucleus Cochlear Implant Technology

DENVER -- Cochlear Americas today announced the recipients of the fifth annual Graeme Clark Cochlear Scholarship, an award that recognizes the remarkable achievements of Nucleus[R] cochlear implant recipients.

"Each year we are amazed at the quality of the entries we receive for the Graeme Clark Scholarship--there are so many young people with cochlear implants who are excelling academically and making a significant impact on the world around them," said Chris Smith, president, Cochlear Americas. "It is thrilling to see how many lives have been affected by the Nucleus technology and to recognize these five outstanding recipients who demonstrate the highest levels of accomplishment."

The winners were announced at the second Cochlear Celebration in San Antonio, Texas, an event that brings together Nucleus recipients and their families to celebrate the technology that has changed their lives. This year's Celebration marks 25 years of Nucleus cochlear implant technology. Professor Graeme Clark, inventor of the cochlear implant, presented the keynote address. Also in attendance was the first recipient of the multi-channel cochlear implant, Rod Saunders.

The 2007 winners are:

* Rachel Chaikof (Atlanta, Ga.), a first year student at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in filmmaking. Deaf since birth, Rachel was one of the first toddlers to receive a cochlear implant. She has excelled in a world where sound is key, winning top honors at film festivals during high school. Additionally, Rachel created a website about cochlear implants that was awarded first place at the Georgia State Fair in 2002.

* David Duncan (Mount Pleasant, S.C.), a third year business management student at Clemson University in South Carolina. He has flourished since receiving his implant at 19 years old. David is highly involved at school as member of the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, Student Alumni Council and the Golden Key International Honour Society.

* Katherine DeVleming (Clarkston, Wash.), a first year student at Whitman College, majoring in English and Pre-med. Katherine received her implant in 1991 and graduated first in her high school class in 2005. In addition to receiving numerous awards and scholarships, Katherine is an accomplished athlete and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.

* Jordan Scott Sack (Providence, R.I.), a freshman at Brown University's 8-year undergraduate/medical school program. Jordan received an implant at 10 years and graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. Jordan is the vice president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the AG Bell Association and a member of the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

* Abigael Lee Brimhall (Mesa, Ariz.), a first year student at Brigham Young University studying education. Abigael was diagnosed with profound bilateral hearing loss at 10 months and received her implant at age 11. A National Honor Society member all four years of high school, Abigael also received four service learning awards and has been repeatedly recognized for her academic accomplishments and community involvement.

About the Graeme Clark Cochlear Scholarship Foundation

The Foundation was established in 2002 in honor of Professor Graeme Clark, Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Melbourne, for his lifelong commitment to finding a solution for the hearing impaired and his pioneering work in the field of cochlear implant technology. Professor Clark invented the world's first multi-channel cochlear implant over 20 years ago. Awarded by Cochlear, this scholarship consists of financial assistance towards a college degree at an accredited university. The award is paid in yearly installments upon the completion of each year of study. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to the Cochlear ideals of leadership and humanity.

For more information about the Graeme Clark Cochlear Scholarship Foundation, call 800/458-4999 (Voice) or 800/483-3123 (TTY) or visit the website at www.cochlear.com.

About Cochlear Americas

Since launching the world's first cochlear implant system more than 20 years ago, Cochlear Limited and its US headquarters, Cochlear Americas, have brought the miracle of sound to more than 72,000 hearing-impaired individuals across the globe. Cochlear's state-of-the-art technologies, based on extensive research and development at preeminent academic institutions, restore the ability to hear sound and understand speech--enhancing both learning capabilities and quality of life for those with severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear has remained the market leader in its field thanks to an unwavering commitment to innovation, reliability and customer support. Numerous awards, as well as published scientific data, attest to Cochlear's outstanding product line and unsurpassed performance. Cochlear's promise "Hear Now. And Always." reflects its dedication to durability and service. For more information about Cochlear's products, call the Cochlear Nucleus[R] Hotline at 800/458-4999 (Voice) or 800/483-3123 (TTY) or visit the Web site at www.cochlear.com.