By Timothy Higdon
Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) is pleased to share the most significant activities and accomplishments of the Fiscal Year 2020 (Oct. 1, 2019 - Sept. 30, 2020) — the year that the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to halt our groundbreaking hearing and balance research. Thanks to our supporters’ unwavering commitment, our Annual Report tells a markedly different story.
In FY20, HHF remained committed to our mission to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure hearing and balance conditions. The data, computational, and collaborative work that could be done remotely continued throughout the year for both the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP) and Emerging Research Grants (ERG) programs. After the initial nationwide lockdown, our research scientists were able to return to their labs when it was safe and advisable. Notable achievements include:
Mouse Inner Ear Developmental Map Using the HHF-funded gEAR (genetic Expression Analysis Resource) portal developed by Ronna Hertzano, M.D., Ph.D., Matthew W. Kelley, Ph.D., a member of HHF’s Council of Scientific Trustees, analyzed data from 30,000 cells from mouse cochlea to provide insights into the genetic programs that drive the formation of cells important for detecting sounds.
VEGF Molecule for Hair Cell Regeneration Jennifer Stone, Ph.D., Michael Lovett, Ph.D., and Marc Warchol, Ph.D., uncovered a novel mechanism that controls hair cell regeneration in birds. The molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is released when hair cells die, promoting supporting cells to form new hair cells. Future studies will test if VEGF can enhance hair cell regeneration in adult mammals.
Speech Perception in Noise Exploration 2016 ERG scientist Julia Campbell, Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA, explored how a lack of sensory inhibition allows extraneous noise to reach the cognitive centers to create a speech perception in noise (SPiN) impairment. Individuals with typical hearing and mild SPiN impairment may present with decreased inhibition at the sensory level.
“Whether I’m in the lab or at home, I and other scientists with hearing loss continue to look for ways to improve hearing health outcomes.” —2019 ERG scientist Victor Wong, Ph.D. (pictured), Burke Neurological Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine
HHF’s promotion of hearing health and awareness similarly prevailed in FY 2020. Our award-winning Health Health magazine highlighted inspiring first-person stories and real-world solutions based on the latest research and technology, and helped connect members of the vibrant HHF community. Also notable was HHF’s participation in The New York Academy of Sciences’ symposium “Hearing Restoration and Hair Cell Regeneration.” The HRP’s former scientific director Peter Barr-Gillespie, Ph.D., of Oregon Health & Science University, delivered the keynote address, and HRP consortium member Tatjana Piotrowski, Ph.D., of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Missouri, was among the presenters.
HHF retained top marks from all charity watchdogs (BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and Guidestar. Examine our Report’s Financials for more information about how we efficiently steward donor dollars.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, scientific advisors, volunteers, and research grantees, I am immensely grateful for your commitment this past year and always. If this past year has taught us anything, it is in the value of collaboration and resilience in the face of challenges.
What’s New in Hearing and Balance Research
I’d like to share four important breakthroughs in hearing research over the past year, and how each also connects back to Hearing Health Foundation, to varying degrees. These major advances offer hope for how we might improve or restore hearing and, by extension, bring a bit more of that wonderful world into everyone’s lives.