Introducing the Council of Medical Trustees

By Yishane Lee

David S. Haynes, M.D., of Vanderbilt University, has been HHF’s medical director for the past couple of years, advising HHF on medical issues and serving on the Board of Directors and Council of Scientific Trustees. Dr. Haynes recently created HHF’s Council of Medical Trustees (CMT) as an expert panel of more than a dozen otologic and neurotologic physicians and surgeons that HHF can turn to for input regarding medically related issues, and provide comprehensive and up-to-date information about various hearing and balance diseases and conditions. The CMT builds on the long legacy of HHF’s Centurions, a group of medical doctors that had held a similar role.

In the Winter 2014 issue of Hearing Health, we are pleased to highlight the first of many articles about hearing and balance conditions in the magazine by members of the CMT. Dr. Haynes described Ménière’s disease, its definition, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, outlook, and current research areas.

Two centuries after it was first named, Ménière’s has been a challenge to accurately diagnose, since its symptoms of vertigo, hearing loss, and/or tinnitus can be seen in many other conditions. As Dr. Haynes writes, “Having an experienced doctor who understands the conditions that can present with similar symptoms is essential. Because of the challenges in accurately diagnosing Ménière’s, the diagnosis can sometimes occur by process of elimination.” Another challenge has been determining the cause, although treatments to manage the condition have met with varying degrees of success as well as become less invasive.

The article is in print as well as online.

Two 2013 HHF Emerging Research Grant scientists are also investigating Ménière’s disease.

Peihan Orestes, Ph.D., of the University of California, Los Angeles, is testing the effect of gentamicin use on the contralateral (least affected) ear to stabilize vestibular function in patients with Ménière’s disease, and whether the contralateral ear can be retrained to help normalize vestibular function.

Ian Swinburne, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School, is studying how the endolymphatic duct and sac stabilize the inner ear’s fluid environment in an effort to identify ways to restore or elevate this function to mitigate or cure Ménière’s disease.

Please have a look at our online dictionary of hearing terms and let us know in the comments below if you have specific areas you’d like us to address.

Do Chickens Hold the Key to a Cure for Hearing Loss?

Chickens have the amazing ability to restore their own hearing, and this trait is inspiring a nonprofit organization in their search for a cure for hearing loss in humans.

The Hearing Health Foundation’s “Chirp the News” video features the group’s new mascot: a baby chick. Locked within the ears of this chick is the potential to restore hearing and cure tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 36 million adults in the U.S. have some form of hearing loss, and 25 million are affected by tinnitus.

“As someone who lives with hearing loss every day, I am personally thrilled with the prospects for a cure,” said Shari Eberts, chairman of the Hearing Health Foundation’s Board of Directors, in an email to Healthline. “Life with hearing loss can be frustrating. Sometimes you miss the joke when everyone else is laughing, and sometimes you miss important information because you don't hear it. Supportive family and friends can make living with hearing loss easier, but a genuine cure would be life changing.” 

The Chicken’s Magic Ears

The secret to the chicken’s auditory magic is that supporting cells in its inner ear can replace hair cells that have been damaged by loud noises or other causes.

And chickens aren’t the only animals that can restore their own damaged hearing. All vertebrates other than mammals can do the same. And preliminary research has shown that mice can regain some of their hearing using supporting cells that turn into hair cells—in the lab, at least. 

Researchers supported by the Hearing Health Foundation hope to find a way to coax the supporting cells in the inner ears of people to transform into functional hair cells. Their goal is to have a cure within a decade.

The 10-Year Road to a Cure

For people with hearing loss, waiting a decade for a cure can seem like a lifetime. But in the world of research, this is a very short time to travel from initial scientific discoveries all the way to successful clinical trials in humans.

To speed the research along, the Hearing Health Foundation is supporting a collaboration known as the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP) that involves researchers from more than ten institutions, including Harvard Medical School.

To find a successful cure for hearing loss, researchers have plenty o work ahead of them—including identifying how supporting cells in the chicken's ear turn into hair cells, as well as finding potential compounds or drugs that can make this happen in people.

Eberts is optimistic that the project will hit its mark, and so is Ed Rubel, a professor of hearing science at the University of Washington and a member of the project team.

“With sufficient funding,” he says, “the consortium can discover effective pathways and hopefully some lead compounds to promote hair cell regeneration in the mammalian inner ear in the 10-year time frame.”

Many Eggs in Many Baskets

In his lab at the University of Washington, Rubel is working on one piece of the puzzle that may one day lead to hair cell regeneration in people. 

“The project on my own has to do with developing a new mouse model to test the pathways and, eventually, the drugs that come out of the HRP,” he said.

The mice developed in his laboratory will be shared among members of the consortium, so they can avoid having to develop their own mice. This kind of sharing is an important aspect of the collaboration, something that Eberts expects will save time and money.

For Rubel, working with the HRP has other benefits.

“The wonderful thing about the consortium,” he says, “is that it includes only people who really want to play in that kind of sandbox—that want to share information, share early-stage information, share the other things that they’re doing in their laboratories, and work together.”

As a person with hearing loss, Eberts supports the push to highlight the project's potential.

“Even though we are in the early stages of the research, we think it is very important that the public learn about our efforts,” she said. “We want them to know that there is hope for a cure and that there are researchers who consider curing hearing loss and tinnitus to be their life’s most important work.”

This article was repurposed with permission from Healthline.

Westone Audio Products to Donate a Portion of Every Sale to HHF

By Tara Guastella

We are excited to share that Westone, the leader in high performance audio, in-ear monitoring technology, and hearing protection, has announced its support of HHF and HHF's work to cure hearing loss and tinnitus.

Westone will be donating a portion of every sale of all Westone Audio products to HHF through 2014.

"We are extremely excited to partner with Hearing Health Foundation and help support its efforts in hearing research, hearing protection, and a search for a cure to hearing loss," says John F. Lowrey, the vice president of the Colorado-based company’s audio division.

"We are committing significant resources to the Hearing Health Foundation with an initial gift and continuous commitment to donating a portion of each sale of all our audio products to their research,” Lowrey adds. “Westone Audio is committed to delivering the best audio and protection available to customers and we want to support HHF's efforts to find a cure for those who have already experienced hearing loss."

"Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 preventable preventable,” says Andrea Boidman, HHF’s executive director. “Westone is known for being a leader in the hearing care and preservation field and we're excited to work together to achieve the same goal—providing hearing loss solutions. We are so grateful for the support we have already received from Westone and its ongoing efforts for our cause."

If you are looking for a new pair of earphones, headphones, or ear protection, consider Westone Audio Products and you’ll also be showing your support for a cure for hearing loss and tinnitus.

Read more in Westone’s announcement about its support of HHF.

Look for Our Fall Issue, Out in October

By Yishane Lee

We are busy wrapping up the Fall issue of Hearing Health magazine, which will be available in October in print and online. Be sure to subscribe for your free copy, and check back here for links to the digital edition.

One of my favorite stories in the Fall issue is “8 Signs You May Need a New Hearing Aid.” I am completely guilty of using technology way past its usefulness (my radio is circa 1970, and the fellow at the bicycle shop wouldn’t let me leave on my bike using a helmet from the ’90s), but you shouldn’t make this mistake when it comes to your hearing health.

Staff writer and audiologist Barbara Jenkins, Au.D., writes that the average lifespan of a hearing aid is five to seven years. While older hearing aids may work fine, if they need repair, with every year it will become harder to find the right parts.

What’s more, holding onto your hearing aids because of economic reasons may not make financial sense, and may even be doing you a disservice. As Jenkins writes:

“Like other technology, hearing aid technology is rapidly advancing while also becoming less expensive. You can purchase a lower-priced hearing aid today with a wider frequency response and better fidelity than even a premium-level hearing aid bought just a year ago."

Look for Jenkins’s informative article in the Fall issue of Hearing Health outlining the reasons—some you may not have thought of—to consider a new hearing aid. You just may recognize yourself or your situation.

HHF Exhibits at 92 St Y StreetFest

By Tara Guastella

HHF staff members Veronica Moreno and Ayana Anderson

On September 15, HHF sponsored and exhibited at the 92 St Y StreetFest on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. HHF staff members and volunteers from the Royal Arch Masons, a HHF major donor, had the opportunity to speak with thousands of New Yorkers and discuss how a chicken can lead us to a cure for hearing loss and tinnitus.

Chickens (and most non-mammals) can regenerate their own hair cells and as a result restore their own hearing. We explained how our Hearing Restoration Project is working to translate this process to humans in order to develop a biologic cure for hearing loss and tinnitus.

Attendees were also provided the opportunity to enter a contest to win a $50 Target gift card by guessing the number of fuzzy chicken toys in a glass jar. The winner of the contest hit the nail on the head by guessing 750 chickens! Our booth also featured an abundance of Peeps (chick-shaped, marshmallow candy), chick temporary tattoos, and a plethora of information about HHF’s work toward a cure for hearing loss and tinnitus.

Volunteers from the Royal Arch Masons with HHF staff member Tara Guastella

HHF was honored to be a part of this event to spread the word about our work. We are also extremely grateful for the support of the Royal Arch Masons for their generous help at this event and their continued support of HHF’s Emerging Research Grant Awardees studying central auditory processing disorder (CAPD).

Hearing Health Foundation Announces Inaugural Junior Board Holiday Event

Hearing Health Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for hearing loss through innovative research, is proud to announce their inaugural Junior Board Holiday Event. Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 4th from 6:30-8:30 PM at Ashtons Alley in New York City, members of the Junior Board will host an event inspiring young professionals to rally around a cure for hearing loss. The collection of unique and passionate individuals serves as ambassadors and advocates for Hearing Health Foundation.

"As we swing into the holiday season, and enjoy the company, conversation, and the sounds of the holidays, lets not forget that nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss,” said Bejamin Melting, President of Hearing Health Foundation Junior Board. “This impairment isn't limited to the aged, but effects the young and old alike. As we celebrate over the next few weeks with family and friends; think what it would be like if you weren't able to hear the conversations around you, or the sounds of the holidays? If like me, you want to find a cure for this devastating ailment, come join us on December 4! If you can't make it, you can always donate!”

Since 1958, Hearing Health Foundation has given over $27.8 million to hearing and balance research. In 2011, Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a consortium of scientists working on cell regeneration in the ear. HRP's goal is a biologic cure for most types of acquired hearing loss. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products.

"We are thrilled to have the support of such a committed and passionate Junior Board," said Andrea Boidman, Executive Director of Hearing Health Foundation. "We know this event will be the first of many and look forward to seeing this group develop into a key awareness and fundraising team for our next generation."

The event on December 4th will feature a $45 entry fee ($35 if purchased in advance) that will include free beer from Blue Moon and wine from Justin Vineyards & Winery as well as 2 for 1 well drinks, light hors d’oeuvres, an on-site caricature artist and a silent auction featuring concert tickets, beauty packages, signed sporting memorabilia and more.

Hearing Health Foundation Junior Board members include: Benjamin Melting, Anthony Bartoli, Kristie D’Agnes, Jason Frank, Jenny Frank, Andrew Hebert, Michael Kolodny, Jessica Luterman Naeve, Dominic Pisano, Felicia Rovegno, Nicole Simels-Kolodny, Katherine Simpson, Paris St. Clair and Nathan Walcker.

Hearing Health Foundation Names Peter Barr-Gillespie Director of HRP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Nick Carcaterra
Susan Blond, Inc.
212.333.7728 ext. 126
nickc@susanblondinc.com

HEARING HEALTH FOUNDATION
NAMES PETER BARR-GILLESPIE DIRECTOR OF
THE HEARING RESTORATION PROJECT
& ANNOUNCES “GEORGE A. GATES RESEARCH AWARD”

Non-Profit Dedicated To Curing Hearing Loss Through Innovative Research Announces New Director for Their Groundbreaking Hearing Restoration Project

New York, NY (October 24, 2012)—On October 8, 2012, Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) honored George A. Gates, M.D., who, until his recent retirement from Hearing Health Foundation’s Board of Directors, served as the Medical Director for the organization.  As part of the evening, the Foundation announced the “George A. Gates Research Award,” to be presented annually, in perpetuity, to an outstanding Emerging Research awardee. Gates, who has been a key member of the HHF board since 1987, was the founder of the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a program designed to accelerate the timeline to a cure for hearing loss. Today, the Foundation is also proud to announce Peter Barr-Gillespie, Ph.D, as the new Director of the HRP.

“We will forever be grateful to Dr. Gates for his perseverance, vision, and commitment to Hearing Health Foundation and especially the Hearing Restoration Project,” says Andrea Boidman, Executive Director of Hearing Health Foundation. “He started us out on the right foot, and we are very excited to see Dr. Barr-Gillespie now at the helm. I am confident that Dr. Barr-Gillespie will help our consortium work toward the goal of a biologic cure for hearing loss; we are very lucky to have him in this leadership role.”

The goal of the Hearing Restoration Project is to find a cure for hearing loss through innovative research surrounding inner ear hair cell regeneration. Most non-mammals spontaneously regenerate these cells, which allow them to hear, but humans do not and the Hearing Restoration Project aims to understand not only why this is the case, but how we can translate what we know about non-mammals to people. Barr-Gillespie brings a wealth of experience to the HRP, joining an already impressive team of researchers.

After undergraduate studies at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, Peter G. Barr-Gillespie attended graduate school at the University of Washington, where he received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 1988. He spent five years as a postdoc with Jim Hudspeth, first at the University of California, San Francisco, then at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He joined the Department of Physiology at Johns Hopkins University as an Assistant Professor in 1993 and rose to Associate Professor in 1998. In 1999 he joined the Oregon Hearing Research Center as an Associate Professor and the Vollum Institute as a Scientist. He was promoted to Professor in 2004 and granted tenure in 2007.

"It's extremely exciting to be part of the Hearing Restoration Project,” said Peter Barr-Gillespie. “Progress towards a successful strategy for restoring hearing has been hampered by the scattershot approach to the problem taken by individual investigators. In the Hearing Restoration Project, a consortium of outstanding scientists has chosen to work together collaboratively towards this common goal, an approach that should substantially shorten the time needed to devise a way to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. I feel privileged to lead such a distinguished group of investigators."

In his new role, Barr-Gillespie will oversee the work of the entire Consortium, made up of some of the most talented, creative, and inspired researchers in the area of cell regeneration in the ear, whose work has already contributed significantly to the field. In addition to Barr-Gillespie as Director, the Consortium consists of: Dr. John Brigande, Dr. Alain Dabdoub, Dr. Albert Edge, Dr. Andy Groves, Dr. Stefan Heller, Dr. Michael Lovett, Dr. Liz Oesterle, Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski, Dr. David Raible, Dr. Yehoash Raphael, Dr. Edwin Rubel, Dr. Neil Segil, Dr. Jennifer S. Stone, and Dr. Mark Warchol.

For more information please visit: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/

About Hearing Health Foundation

Since 1958, Hearing Health Foundation has given over $27.8 million to hearing and balance research.  In 2011 Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a consortium of scientists working on cell regeneration in the ear.  HRP's goal is a biologic cure for most types of acquired hearing loss. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products.

Hearing Health Foundation Launches Public Service Campaign

For Immediate Release
Contact: Libby Schnee
Libby.Schnee@gmail.com
917.767.8282

Hearing Health Foundation Launches Public Service Campaign Featuring Iraq Veteran and Others on the Prevalence of Hearing Loss
-- Research Underway to Find a Biologic Cure --

NEW YORK, May 15, 2012 -- Today Hearing Health Foundation announced its long term initiative to raise awareness and funds for hearing and balance research through a national public service advertising campaign featuring real people who suffer a hearing loss.  Johns Hopkins reports that nearly 50 million Americans suffer a hearing loss.  That number is expected to double in 20 years.  Hearing loss affects a growing number of teens and 60 percent of returning military from Iraq and Afghanistan, who acquire hearing loss or tinnitus due to noise exposure during service.

The campaign launches at a time when the nation’s attention is focused on the service of military veterans (May 19 Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day Weekend) whose lives are forever altered by the visible and invisible wounds of war.  “I suffered hearing loss serving my country as an army specialist in Iraq. The damage I suffered in combat is making it even harder to fit back in as a civilian,” said Specialist Rebecca Nava.

Other personal stories featured in the campaign include Katherine Simpson, “I started to lose my hearing in college.  Social situations became awkward.  And even though I had no reason to be embarrassed, it was hard for me to tell my friends.” Sean and Samantha Brownlie, who are 9 and 7 respectively, noted, “Hearing aids have helped me and my sister for most of our lives, but they’re not a solution for everyone with hearing loss.”

The public service advertising campaign includes television and radio spots of real people sharing their experience living with this unwanted change in their lives and their hope for a cure.  Hearing Health Foundation funds a research consortium, The Hearing Restoration Project, with the goal of finding a biologic cure for hearing loss within the next decide through cell regeneration therapies.  The campaign calls for people to learn more about the issue and the search for a cure by visiting www.hearinghealthfoundation.org.

“Hearing Health Foundation has long been at the forefront of hearing and balance research, and we understand that it is important to invest in the next wave of hearing treatments,” said Andrea Boidman, Executive Director of Hearing Health Foundation.  “Hearing research is important to the future of a growing number of people, and they need to know that there are new treatments on the horizon that could really impact their lives.”  

Lt. Col. Mark Packer, MD., Executive Director for US Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE) understands what new treatments could mean for returning combat veterans. “In the military, hearing is critical for the instruction, teamwork and reporting that are necessary for mission accomplishment.  Hearing loss is truly a hidden disability and our aim is to address significant gaps in the military’s ability to prevent or mitigate and then treat this type of injury.”  The HCE is partnering with the Veterans Health Administration, Hearing Health Foundation and others to address this issue.

The campaign is timed with May’s Better Hearing and Speech Month and includes a new website community for consumers who are living with hearing loss to access helpful resources and information.  Hearing Health Foundation publishes Hearing Health Magazine, and award-winning publication that is free to those who subscribe.

About Hearing Health Foundation

Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of hearing research, with a mission to prevent and cure hearing loss through groundbreaking research.  Since 1958 Hearing Health Foundation has given over $26.6 million to hearing and balance research, including work that led to cochlear implant technology.  In 2011 Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a consortium of scientists working on cell regeneration in the ear.  HRP's goal is a biologic cure for most types of acquired hearing loss. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products.  To learn more or support this work, visit www.hearinghealthfoundation.org.

Jay Alan Zimmerman's Incredibly Deaf Musical To Benefit Hearing Health Foundation

For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Briskin
abriskin@aol.com
212-794-6644

Jay Alan Zimmerman’s Incredibly Deaf Musical Playing at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater
at 10 West 64th Street, New York City, Benefiting Hearing Health Foundation

NEW YORK, May 7, 2012 -- Beginning on May 31st, 2012, acclaimed composer and author, Jay Alan Zimmerman, will debut his stage production, the Incredibly Deaf Musical, at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in New York City.

Stemming from his own personal experiences, Jay Alan Zimmerman’s theatrical production tells the story of Jay – a composer who is dealing with the noisy buzz of progressive deafness stealing away his songs.  As Jay struggles to hold onto the disappearing notes, his wife and son help him strive for something other than fame or death. 

“I learned a lot from the 2010 New York Musical Theater Festival production of this play,” explained Mr. Zimmerman.  “While the reviews were very positive, I discovered I needed to restructure the drama, cut a few songs, and make both deafness and music -- two things that are ‘invisible’ --  more visible on stage.   So even though we're far from having a Broadway budget, we're using costuming, movement, and visual music projections like I've done for art exhibits in order to enhance the production while deepening the story.  It's exciting to be improving the show and raising money for Hearing Health Foundation at the same time."

A vibrant pop-classical-experimental-caption integrated mash-up, Jay Alan Zimmerman’s Incredibly Deaf Musical is the heartwarming, booty-shaking autobiography of a man trying everything he can to keep the music flying.  Jay himself – a man of many talents – not only wrote the show but also steps into the starring role for this special limited run production to benefit Hearing Health Foundation, the leading private funder of scientific research for the regeneration of hearing.  Show proceeds will go to the Hearing Health Foundation.

Available Dates and Times:
Thursday, May 31 at 8:00 PM
Friday, June 1 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 2 at 3:30 PM
Thursday, June 7 at 8:00 PM
Friday, June 8 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 9 at 3:30 PM

Ticket prices begin at $30.00 each. 

Accessibility & Captioning: Wheelchair accessible. The WC locations will be in the “Dance section”—which is perfect because the last song is about “dancing in your heart,” and using whatever you’ve got.  It will include dances for everyone, including wheelchair users!  Captioning will also be provided for this show.  The captioning will not only be invaluable to those who are deaf or who have hearing loss, but will also serve as a character in the show, expanding beyond the caption screen to interact with the actors via multimedia.

Running time: Approximately 2 hours, including intermission.

The Incredibly Deaf Musical will be playing select dates at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater on 10 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023.  The show is co-produced with Hearing Health Foundation.

For more information, please visit: www.deafmusical.com

For information on Hearing Health Foundation, please visit: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/

To learn more about the MSDLT “Like” Us on Facebook:
The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater at the West Side YMCA

#####

About Hearing Health Foundation

Hearing Health Foundation is the United States’ leading source of private funding for research in hearing and balance science.  Research made possible by Hearing Health Foundation grants has resulted in dramatic innovations that have increased options for those living with hearing and balance disorders, and protected those at risk.  Since its inception in 1958, Hearing Health Foundation has awarded more than $26.5 million through more than 2,000 scientific research grants to researchers who are dedicated to exploring new avenues of hearing and balance science.  Hearing Health Foundation also publishes the award-winning Hearing Health magazine.  For more information visit www.hearinghealthfoundation.org.

About the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater:

The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater at the West Side Y is a non-profit, independent, Off-Broadway Theater in the West Side YMCA which exists to: encourage the creative spirit in young people; empower, educate, and maximize the potential of the young people and emerging artists; serve our community by providing affordable and high quality professional arts performances, programming, training, and education;  create and launch new and innovative works that inspire, entertain, and reflect our diverse community while furthering the YMCA of Greater New York's mission of building healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy spirits. The historic space was named in 2004 for the late Marjorie S. Deane, a New York City philanthropist, theater advocate and fashion industry icon, whose study of fashion was fueled by her interest in costume design for the theater.  www.ymca.org/westside

Deafness Research Foundation Announces New Name

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                   

Contact: Libby Schnee
Libby.Schnee@gmail.com
212.879.2422

Deafness Research Foundation Announces New Name and Reaffirms its Unwavering Dedication to the Prevention, Research, and Cure for Hearing Loss

Hearing Restoration Project is Major Commitment to a Cure

New York, NY (September 14, 2011) -- Today the Deafness Research Foundation Board of Directors announced a new name for the highly-regarded organization.  Effective immediately, the Deafness Research Foundation will be called Hearing Health Foundation.  To signal the Foundation’s unwavering dedication to hearing research, a groundbreaking research consortium, the Hearing Restoration Project, was also announced.

Clifford P. Tallman, Jr., Hearing Health Foundation Board Chair, said, “This is an exciting day in the history of our 53-year-old organization.  We are revitalizing our image and changing our name to Hearing Health Foundation to more accurately communicate our mission and our dedication to the prevention of, research into, and cure for hearing loss.” 

Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss and that number is expected to double by 2030.  Since its inception in 1958, Hearing Health Foundation has been the leading source of private funding in the United States for research into the science of hearing and balance.  “The name Deafness Research Foundation served us well,” explained Tallman.  “Our research, however, showed that ‘deafness’ is an outdated term and now has a different connotation from how we were initially using it.  Over the last half-century, we have done important work.  Our new name reflects our determination to change the social stigma tied to hearing loss and to fund new and promising research that may bring a cure for hearing loss to the public.”

The Hearing Restoration Project (HRP) is an alliance of scientists working collaboratively and interactively to find a cure for hearing loss.  The goal of the HRP is to raise $50 million to complete research begun more than 20 years ago, when researchers discovered that birds have the ability to regrow damaged hair cells in their inner ears. Hair cells convert sound information into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.  Once human hair cells die, hearing loss is permanent.  The challenge is to find a way to trigger hair cell regrowth within humans, which could mean a cure for millions suffering from various forms of hearing loss.

“Many labs are on the cusp of a major breakthrough in this field of research, which didn’t exist 25 years ago,” said Dr. Edwin Rubel of the University of Washington, one of the original researchers who discovered that hair cells regenerate in chickens.  “We need some luck and what the HRP is providing: sustained funding and the collaboration between a number of good researchers.”

The Hearing Restoration Project members include the top 10 scientists in the country, affiliated with Harvard University, University of Washington, Stanford University, Washington University, Baylor University, and the University of Michigan, to name a few.

Dr. George Gates, the Scientific Director of the Hearing Restoration Project, said, “If we can get hair cells to grow back in humans, we can restore hearing without surgery and without batteries and we think we can get to clinical trials for this research within the next decade.”

About the Hearing Restoration Project and the Hearing Restoration Summit

The Hearing Restoration Project will bring together an innovative model – collaboration between the 10 major hearing loss research centers in the United States, with full sharing of technologies, data, and credit.  The HRP asks from its members a commitment to the overall goal and organizational approach, full sharing and allegiance to the Project, and active participation in the governance of the HRP.  Significant funds have already been raised, but the HRP is determined to focus both attention and millions of dollars toward finding a cure to hearing loss. 

On October 3, 2011, Hearing Health Foundation will hold a free summit called The Promise of Cell Regeneration, as well as a major fundraiser, at the New York Academy of Medicine in New York City.  This event is open to the public.  For more information, to register to attend, or to make a donation, contact www.hearinghealthfoundation.org. 

About Hearing Health Foundation

Hearing Health Foundation, formerly Deafness Research Foundation, is the United States’ leading source of private funding for research in hearing and balance science.  Research made possible by Hearing Health Foundation grants has resulted in dramatic innovations that have increased options for those living with hearing and balance disorders, and protected those at risk.  Since our inception in 1958, we have awarded more than $26.5 million through more than 2,000 scientific research grants to researchers who are dedicated to exploring new avenues of hearing and balance science.  Hearing Health Foundation also publishes the award-winning Hearing Health Magazine.