Dr Celene McNeill – Audiologist Researcher & Director

Dr Celene McNeill is an experienced audiologist and Director of Healthy Hearing & Balance Care in Sydney. With a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Speech and Hearing (PUCC, Brazil), a Master of Audiology and a PhD focused on Ménière’s disease (Macquarie University), she combines clinical leadership with academic research to deliver evidence-based hearing and balance care across all age groups. Dr McNeill has been practising audiology in Australia since 1989, with specialist expertise in Meniere’s dsease, chronic tinnitus, vestibular disorders, and cochlear implant assessment. She has served on national and international professional bodies, including Audiology Australia and the Australian Tinnitus Association, and continues to contribute to research and clinical education.

Qualifications & Memberships

  • PhD in Ménière’s disease, Macquarie University

  • Master of Audiology, Macquarie University

  • Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Speech & Hearing, PUCC Brazil

  • Honorary Research Fellow, Macquarie University

  • Past NSW Representative, Audiology Australia

  • Past President, Australian Tinnitus Association NSW

  • Member, International Tinnitus Association

  • Meniere's Research Australia

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Research & Publications

Dr Celene McNeill has contributed to peer-reviewed research in audiology, otology and vestibular science for more than 25 years. Her publications span cochlear implantation, cortical auditory plasticity, Ménière’s disease, tinnitus and hyperacusis, fluctuating hearing loss, and complex audiometric diagnostics. This body of work reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based clinical practice and collaboration with leading otologists, neurologists and research institutions in Australia and internationally. The research presented below informs and underpins the specialised diagnostic and rehabilitative services provided at Healthy Hearing & Balance Care.

Ménière’s Disease & Fluctuating Hearing Loss:

Cochlear Implantation in Ménière’s Disease With and Without Labyrinthectomy

Otology & Neurotology (2017)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000001278

Summary:
This study evaluated speech recognition outcomes in patients with Ménière’s disease who underwent cochlear implantation, comparing those who had simultaneous labyrinthectomy with those who did not. Both groups achieved meaningful improvements in speech recognition, demonstrating that cochlear implantation can provide successful hearing outcomes regardless of labyrinthectomy status. The research also highlighted important considerations for postoperative vestibular function.

Cochlear Implant Impedance Fluctuation in Ménière’s Disease: A Case Study

Otology & Neurotology (2016)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000001061

Summary:
This case study examined long-term cochlear implant impedance measurements in a patient with bilateral implants, one ear affected by Ménière’s disease and the other unaffected. Over nine years, the Ménière’s ear demonstrated significant electrode impedance fluctuations, while the contralateral ear remained stable. The findings suggest that the underlying mechanisms responsible for hearing fluctuation may also influence implant impedance changes.

Short-Term Hearing Fluctuation in Ménière’s Disease

International Journal of Audiology (2009), 48(8), 594–600
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14992020802716778

Summary:
This study investigated short-term hearing fluctuation in Ménière’s disease, demonstrating measurable variability in hearing thresholds consistent with endolymphatic dysfunction. The findings emphasise the importance of repeated audiometric monitoring in clinical management.

Changes in Audiometric Thresholds Before, During and After Attacks of Vertigo Associated With Ménière’s Syndrome

Acta Oto-Laryngologica (2009), 129, 1404–1407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/00016480902751672

Summary:
This study examined audiometric thresholds surrounding vertigo attacks. Results showed no significant deterioration during attacks in most patients, challenging the traditional “rupture theory” and suggesting that acute vertigo episodes are not typically accompanied by marked threshold shifts.

Hearing Fluctuation Is Not a Predictor of Vertigo Attacks in Ménière’s Syndrome

Revista Equilíbrio Corporal e Saúde (2010), 2(2), 52–70

Summary:
Daily self-administered hearing tests did not reliably predict vertigo episodes in patients with definite Ménière’s syndrome. While hearing fluctuation was common, it could not be used as a clinical predictor of imminent attacks.

Hearing Aids for Ménière’s Syndrome: Implications of Hearing Fluctuation

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology (2008), 19(5)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.19.5.5

Summary:
This study explored programmable hearing aid strategies for fluctuating hearing thresholds in Ménière’s disease. Findings highlighted the importance of flexible amplification approaches to improve speech understanding and comfort.

A Hearing Aid System for Fluctuating Hearing Loss Due to Ménière’s Disease: A Case Study

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology (2005), 27(1)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1375/audi.2005.27.1.78

Summary:
This case study described a programmable hearing aid system designed to manage dynamic hearing changes in Ménière’s disease, demonstrating improved speech understanding and listening comfort.

Tinnitus Perception and the Effects of a Self-Programmable Hearing Aid on Hearing Fluctuation Due to Ménière’s Disease

New Zealand Medical Journal (2010), 123(1311)

Summary:
In 50 patients with definite Ménière’s disease, tinnitus perception did not consistently correlate with hearing fluctuation. However, 69% reported tinnitus reduction with optimally fitted hearing aids, supporting amplification as part of tinnitus management.

Cochlear Implantation & Cortical Plasticity:

Improving Sound Localization After Cochlear Implantation and Auditory Training for the Management of Single-Sided Deafness

Otology & Neurotology (2014)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000000257

Summary:
Cochlear implantation combined with auditory training improved sound localization in a patient with single-sided deafness, suggesting enhanced binaural interaction through cortical plasticity.

Are Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials Useful in the Clinical Assessment of Adults With Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear Implants International (2012)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cii.391

Summary:
This study demonstrated that cortical auditory evoked potentials provide valuable objective data to complement behavioural assessment in cochlear implant evaluation.

Bilateral Cochlear Implants in Long-Term and Short-Term Deafness

Cochlear Implants International (2010), 11(4), 247–253

DOI: 10.1179/146701011X13061407457704

Summary:
Following bilateral implantation, a patient with over 50 years of unilateral deafness demonstrated binaural auditory processing, including improved speech perception in noise and sound localization.

Signs of Binaural Processing With Bilateral Cochlear Implants in the Case of Someone With More Than 50 Years of Unilateral Deafness

Deafness, Hearing Loss and the Auditory System (2010)

Summary:
This chapter documented behavioural and electrophysiological evidence of binaural interaction after decades of unilateral deafness, highlighting cortical plasticity.

Cortical Auditory Evoked Responses From an Implanted Ear After 50 Years of Profound Unilateral Deafness

Cochlear Implants International (2007)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cii.343

Summary:
Electrophysiological evidence demonstrated preserved neural plasticity and cortical activation following cochlear implantation after extended auditory deprivation.

Deafness in Adults: The Role of the Cochlear Implant

Modern Medicine of Australia (1998)

Summary:
This overview outlined cochlear implant candidacy, physiology, surgical technique, and expected outcomes in adults with severe to profound hearing loss.

Tinnitus & Hyperacusis:

Tinnitus Pitch, Masking, and the Effectiveness of Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Therapy

International Journal of Audiology (2012)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2012.721934

Summary:
Individual tinnitus pitch and masking profiles influenced the effectiveness of hearing aids in reducing tinnitus loudness, supporting tailored amplification strategies.

Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Patients: A Multi-Clinic Prevalence Study

Noise & Health (2013)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1463-1741.110295

Summary:
Across 345 patients, TTTS symptoms were significantly more prevalent in hyperacusis than tinnitus alone, supporting routine assessment of middle ear muscle involvement.

Testing for Perilymphatic Fistula Based on Hennebert’s Sign and Tullio Phenomenon

Australian Journal of Otolaryngology (1994)

Summary:
Acoustic and pressure stimulation demonstrated moderate sensitivity for detecting perilymphatic fistula, assisting surgical decision-making.

Advanced Audiological Diagnostics:

Naunton’s Masking Dilemma Revisited

Otology & Neurotology (2018), 40, e1–e6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000002043

Summary:
This paper clarified modern masking strategies in complex audiometric interpretation, reinforcing meticulous diagnostic technique in asymmetric hearing loss.

Conventional Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids After Subtotal Petrosectomy With Blind Sac Closure

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2004), 131(6)

DOI: 10.1016/j.otohns.2004.09.001

Summary:
This study demonstrated that conventional amplification can provide effective rehabilitation following extensive otologic surgery.

Towards New Criteria for Hearing Aid Recommendation

Journal of the Otolaryngological Society of Australia (2002), 5(2), 95–100

Summary:
This paper proposed broader, patient-centred criteria for hearing aid recommendation beyond pure-tone thresholds.

Drill-Induced Hearing Loss in the Nonoperated Ear

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (1997), 117(5), 555–558

DOI: 10.1016/s0194-5998(97)70030-5

Summary:
Intraoperative DPOAE measurements showed temporary cochlear changes but no permanent hearing loss in the contralateral ear.

Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions: Twelve Months’ Experience in a Diagnostic Clinic

Australian Journal of Audiology (1993), 15(2)

Summary:
DPOAEs correlated with audiometric configuration in approximately 70% of cases, supporting their value as an adjunct to behavioural testing.

The Validity of the Acoustic Reflex Decay Test in the Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuroma

Australian Journal of Audiology (1992), 14(2), 49–52

Summary:
This study demonstrated that acoustic reflex decay should not be relied upon in isolation for diagnosing retrocochlear pathology.