Early Warning Hearing Loss Detection Technology (Healthcare Sensor Innovations 2019)

Plextek has developed an innovative sensing technology to detect early symptoms of NIHL through accurate measurement of auditory evoked potentials (AEP). The technology can be integrated with commercial earphones allowing users to monitor their hearing by creating a fingerprint of their auditory capability. Steps can then be taken to avoid further hearing damage.

Nigel is the Head of Medical & Healthcare at Plextek, working with a wide range of clients to provide expertise in the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge technology.

With over 20 years of experience in the medical and pharmaceutical sector, Nigel has pioneered innovative drug and medical device technologies for companies such as MedImmune, Celltech, Cantab Pharmaceuticals and Genentech.

Nigel completed a PhD in ground-breaking cancer research at Imperial College, before joining Celltech to lead development of the company's first marketed therapy, targeted at sepsis. With Cantab Pharmaceuticals he led development of a range of immunological modulators, taking treatments into clinical trials. After completing an MBA at Cambridge University Nigel, joined a private equity firm to build start-up companies from university IP, leading to the establishment and flotation of Proximagen Neurosciences. More recently he worked with UK Trade & Investment in a hugely successful drive to bring investment from overseas pharmaceutical companies into the UK. In recent years he has run his own consultancy, Asia Pacific Life Sciences focused on funding and development of medical technologies, working with some of the leading technology consultancies, including PA Consulting and Sagentia.

Plextek is a specialist design and development company with expertise in electronic engineering, particularly around sensing, data collection & communications. We work with global clients to provide unique solutions to their most difficult technology challenges, in key market sectors including Medical Technology. We have successfully completed projects in a wide range of healthcare-related areas, from non-invasive glucose monitoring, to non-contact technology for measuring lung function, to sense & avoid radar systems for delivery of medical supplies by drone. As an ISO13485-certified company we have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by companies developing innovative medical devices.