In addition to recent or current grantees, to underscore the lasting implications that basic science research can hold, scientists whose funding was a decade—or decades—ago cite HHF in new papers stemming from their grants.
A Breakthrough Protocol for Generating Functional Human Auditory Neurons
The resulting SGN-like neurons matched the appearance, molecular structure, electrical behavior, and functional characteristics of SGN cells in vivo.
Gene Therapy for Hearing Loss
Gene therapy for hearing loss has transitioned from a theoretical concept into a transformative clinical reality, albeit limited to specific cases of genetic hearing loss—for now.
The Power of Collaboration
Why is a particular gene silent in a mouse supporting cell but active in a chicken supporting cell? Is the difference epigenetic? Are regulatory regions locked down in mammals? These are the kinds of questions we can now pursue systematically.
ARO 2026 in Puerto Rico
We are proud that Hearing Health Foundation-funded scientists are always well represented at Association for Research in Otolaryngology MidWinter Meeting.
Revealing How the Balance Organ Responds to Damage
The team’s analysis uncovered a surprising diversity of supporting cells, the “non-sensory cellular guardians” that surround and protect the sensory hair cells and may facilitate their regeneration
How the Hearing Restoration Project Is Transforming Inner Ear Science
Before the HRP, there was no mechanism for data sharing and collaboration, no way to assess gene expression rigorously or to identify relevant patterns, and no examples of new hair cells generated in a post-hearing mammalian cochlea.
Hair Cell Regeneration Is Ready for Advanced Gene Analysis
The next step in this field is the use of powerful modern sequencing technology in order to map gene activity and gene regulation during hair cell regeneration in fish and birds as well as in mammalian balance organs.
Impact 2025
Our mission to fund innovative, groundbreaking hearing and balance science is only possible because of you. We are grateful for the support of our community.
Zebrafish Study Reveals a Genetic Switch Controlling Ear and Balance Cells
Hearing Restoration Project member and Emerging Research Grants scientist Tatjana Piotrowski, Ph.D., and team show that the transcription factor prdm1a plays a key role in determining hair cell fate in the zebrafish lateral line.