After the marriage he confided to my mom that he had developed a mild to moderate sound intolerance from frequent loud exposures in his construction job, from bulldozers, claw hammers, jackhammers, etc.
In Memoriam: George A. Gates, M.D., 1935–2025
George Arthur Gates, M.D., the inaugural medical director of Hearing Health Foundation’s Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), passed away on February 8, 2025.
The Formula for Better Hearing in Noisy Places
In audiology, we describe listening environments using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The signal is what you want to hear—like your conversation partner—and noise is everything you don’t want to hear.
Using Personal Experience to Drive Change
As someone hard of hearing, I intimately understand the challenges of a world not always designed for me. This drives my mission to advocate for better access and representation.
Advancing Research and Treatment for Ménière’s Disease
While significant challenges remain, ongoing efforts in genetic research, immunology, and clinical trials offer hope for better management and potential cures for Ménière’s disease in the future.
Advanced Imaging Sheds Light on Inner Ear Scarring
Because of the increased network depth, upscaled input resolution, and the ability to perform well in a limited data setting, our new imaging model aided by machine learning outperformed previous state-of-the-art models predicting cochlear implant success outcomes.
My Musical Journey With Hearing Aids
Even though I may not hear every note perfectly, playing in a band has been a powerful experience. I connect with music not just through the sound of my trumpet but through feeling, vibration, and the very essence of music itself.
Meeting Our Researchers at ARO 2025
As always we are so thrilled to meet and catch up with our funded scientists, past and present, at this important research conference.
Writing the Book My Kids Needed
“Mara Hears in Style” is the book I wish my three children had when they were young and newly diagnosed with hearing loss. I wrote the book so that children who wear hearing aids will see themselves in a book and be seen, but I also wanted Mara's character to be relatable to all children.
Can Machine Learning Predict Who Will Benefit Most From Cochlear Implants?
Despite challenges, the potential of machine learning to improve cochlear implant outcomes is clear. By refining models, improving data quality, and addressing ethical concerns, we can move toward a future where CIs are more personalized and effective.