Image: Each red square represents the degree of enrichment relative to supporting cells—the AUC—for the gene name (on the left) in each of 23 hair cell types (listed left to right). The deeper the red, the more enriched.
Our Hearing Restoration Project scientists developed a cross-species matrix and, using machine learning, identified 884 shared genes across species and organ types. This is a major milestone because turning on one gene is not enough to create a functional hair cell—regeneration requires activating an entire gene program—and these 884 genes now give us a framework for understanding that full gene program.
Emerging Research Grants (ERG) scientist Manoj Kumar, Ph.D., developed a powerful new biosensor to map zinc signaling in the brain which could help reveal early signs of neurological disease. His 2025–2026 grant is generously funded by Hyperacusis Research.
2024–2025 ERG scientist Nicole T. Jiam, M.D., analyzed the tasks done and time spent by professionals on cochlear implant care in order to improve access and efficiency. Jiam is the recipient of an Elizabeth M. Keithley, Ph.D. Early Stage Investigator Award, generously supported in part by Susan and Steve Kaufman.
2020 and 2022 ERG scientist Ross Williamson, Ph.D., identified a circuit-level mechanism in specific neurons through which stress and anxiety could compound tinnitus-related hyperactivity in the brain.
Watch our latest research webinar: Timothy Balmer, Ph.D., presented on “The Brain’s Built-In Noise Cancellation.” His 2025–2026 ERG grant is generously funded by the Salice Family Foundation.
Plus:
An assistive technology experts shares his appreciation for the mini mic
A gamer with a hearing loss develops an app to overlay real-time captions on video games
Exposure, empathy, and the power of story from a sociologist and children’s book author
An artist with a new cochlear implant returns to music and shares, “It’s like I’m EQ-ing my own brain”
Our Operation Regrow campaign May 4–15 supports life-changing research with a 1:1 match of every gift. Our Hearing Restoration Project is figuring out how to regrow sensory hair cells, restoring hearing. Thank you for supporting science.
Spring is a great time to look ahead. With a free, secure tool from our partner FreeWill, you can create or update your will in just 20 minutes. Easily care for loved ones, clarify wishes, and support the causes that matter the most to you. Create your free will.
While you are thinking about your legacy, we’re happy to announce that a gift to HHF (such as a bequest or beneficiary designation of a retirement fund or life insurance policy) will be matched with our new $1 million match challenge.
And with tax laws evolving, learn about tax-smart ways to give.
Around the Web:
Is your neighborhood noisy? You’re not alone (The New York Times) and studies add to knowledge of effects of traffic noise on cardiometabolic health and mental health (Quiet Communities)
Neuro’s ark: Sounding out the evolution of hearing with geckos (The Transmitter)
The six subtle signs of hearing loss doctors say you should never ignore (The Independent), warning signs that your earbuds are actually hurting your ears (CNET), and “Cars” singer Gary Numan, 68, reveals he's “90% deaf” as he opens up about hearing loss (People)
Internet intervention pays off for tinnitus patients (Medscape), on the cusp of completely implantable cochlear implants (The Hearing Review), and how CaptionCall installs a captioned telephone at home (HearingTracker)
5 things you didn't know your Apple Watch can do in 2026 (SlashGear) and Prime Video adds ASL and BSL to 18 additional original titles (Media Play News)
Six surprisingly hopeful advances in the battle against dementia (Yahoo! Health) and hearing loss makes it harder for cognitively impaired older adults to walk and think simultaneously (Concordia University)
A field guide to interpreting and discussing the public health landscape on hearing loss and cognition and hormones and hearing: menopause and auditory-cognitive aging (Canadian Audiologist)
Research links tinnitus with serotonin (Oregon Health & Science University) and does serotonin play a role in tinnitus? Mouse study raises question (Medical News Today)
Hearing breakthrough holds up (Harvard Gazette) and historic FDA approval brings first gene therapy for genetic deafness (Nature Biotechnology)
CU Anschutz launches clinical trial for CAPD therapy that reversed hearing loss in models (CU Anschutz) and a complex train of thought on entrainment and auditory information processing (American Institute of Physics)
Can a deaf person’s brain turn silence into vision? (EurekAlert!), study finds concert hall color influences sound perception (Hearing Review), and how China’s deaf delivery riders find a new life in gig work (Sixth Tone)
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