Hearing Health Blog
In the non-sensory supporting cells of the inner ear, key genes required for conversion to sensory cells are shut off through a process known as epigenetic silencing. By studying how the genes are shut off, we begin to understand how we might turn them back on to regenerate hearing.
We have now identified the first events that lead to proliferative hair cell regeneration in birds, which provides new leads that can be translated to mice and ultimately to humans.
Abe is doing a fundraiser for HHF as part of his bar mitzvah project. “It makes total sense to support this mission that means so much to my family and me,” he says.
A surprising finding of this project was that a specific group of cells, called the greater epithelial ridge (GER), contained the majority of cells capable of growing into organoids. This ability can be interpreted as a form of regenerative potential because the GER cells can multiply and generate new sensory hair cells.
I recently donated to Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) for the first time. When I came across your organization, I knew I wanted to support it. I’m a musician, and I’m really passionate about research efforts on hearing restoration.
Hearing Health Foundation (HHF), the largest nonprofit funder of hearing and balance research in the U.S., announced today the appointment of Lisa Goodrich, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School to the role of Scientific Director of the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP).
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have conducted a study that has determined the role that a critical protein plays in the development of hair cells. These hair cells are vital for hearing. Some of these cells amplify sounds that come into the ear, and others transform sound waves into electrical signals that travel to the brain.
In their pre-clinical research, Dr. Dabdoub and Dr. Sahar Mahshid, research associate, have designed a biosensor test to detect otolin-1 and prestin, two unique proteins which can be found circulating in blood and are linked to balance and hearing disorders respectively. The test, which is patent pending, is comparable to a glucose monitor and requires only a drop of blood.
Scientific researchers have, like all of us, faced numerous challenges over the past months of the COVID-19 crisis, but have continued the science throughout, whether in reduced occupancy labs or remote, driven by their dedication to advance knowledge and contribute to the treatment and, ultimately, cure for hearing loss and other hearing and balance disorders. HHF’s donors have shown similar dedication, and HHF is happy to provide research funding to the exceptionally promising projects below.
During COVID-19, we have witnessed unprecedented challenges to people with hearing loss, Social distancing and face coverings have exacerbated feelings of isolation and impeded communication with friends, family, colleagues, and medical practitioners. We hope you’ll keep these unprecedented challenges in mind when you make a gift to HHF’s research through Operation Regrow.
