House Ear Institute: building a sound future for millions of people with hearing loss.

A cornerstone of hearing science research in the Los Angeles community since 1946, House Ear Institute has become a familiar non-profit organization to millions of people around the world who face issues of hearing loss, ear disease and related disorders. With an impressive track record of scientific achievements over the years, the House Ear Institute continues to serve as a beacon of hope for new discoveries and advancements in the study of the human auditory system, and remains true to its mission of advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life.

From the institute's earliest work of pioneering surgical approaches that have saved thousands of lives to the development of the cochlear implant that has restored the gift of hearing to thousands of people with profound hearing loss, HEI has redefined the frontiers of hearing science.

House Ear Institute Research Helps Drive Wide-Ranging Scientific Advances

From a scientific perspective, heating health studies are extremely important for several reasons. First, hearing loss has been linked to defects in many genes, so there is ample opportunity for making progress in the area of genetic research. Examining the effect of aging on cell function in hearing is another fertile field for researchers. As the population ages, hearing health becomes a major concern. If you add the increased rate of noise-induced hearing loss as a result of our modern lifestyle to the number of people with age-related loss, you can forecast an increase in the total number of people who could benefit from House Ear Institute's research.

House Ear Institute's research studies of inner ear cells, hair cell regeneration, cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants hold great promise. Its temporal bone laboratories are also involved in important research, and studies of the molecular basis for ear diseases, such as otitis media, are expected to have an enormous impact on pediatric patients suffering from middle ear infections. The institute's studies on Meniere's disease may lead to a new understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease that can cause debilitating bouts of vertigo. Its research also examines the development of the ear and how it is formed at the cell and molecular level. Other major areas of research include development of improved diagnostic and sensory aid technologies, including hearing aid design. House Ear Institute has a team of scientists devoted to pediatric hearing loss research in its Children's Auditory Research & Evaluation (CARE) Center, and provides a comprehensive clinical care facility for infants and children with hearing loss.

"I'm filled with a sense of pride each time someone asks me about the institute's research programs," said James D. Boswell, chief executive officer, House Ear Institute. "I know firsthand the real passion and dedication our research scientists and staff bring to their work. This passion is reflected in their innovative approaches to solving new puzzles of the auditory system and related systems."

Today, that same philosophy of Howard P. House, M.D., continues to underlie the institute's mission. That philosophy is most vividly evident in the variety and breadth of its education and outreach programs. For example, each year House Ear Institute welcomes hundreds of physicians and research scholars from around the world, who wish to expand their knowledge of otology. It provides certified continuing education courses, research fellowships, and an extensive library devoted entirely to the human ear. It educates the listening public about protecting themselves against noise-induced hearing loss through its popular Sound Partners[TM] hearing conservation program. It also shares knowledge through its annual Family Camp program for families dealing with the issues of raising a child who has a hearing loss, as well as community-based public forums where people can get face-to-face answers from institute scientists about the latest research, diagnostic tools and treatment options for hearing loss and related issues. The organization's Website--www.hei.org--is expanding into an invaluable resource for hearing health and science information for a cross-section of researchers, physicians and the general public.

Building for the Future

With the recent launch of its "Campaign for Building a Sound Future" and preparations to officially break ground on a new research wing on October 17, 2005, there's no better time than now to show your support of better hearing health through an investment in the future of the House Ear Institute.

A decade ago, the institute embarked on a new research initiative. It would become a visionary move. Its exceptional success in cellular, molecular and genetic approaches to hearing science has created compelling new opportunities for discovery and advancements. To pursue these opportunities, the institute must create more laboratory space for its science, develop funding to launch several critical new research programs and enhance the endowment that supports its growth. Hence, its "Campaign for Building a Sound Future" was established to accomplish these goals.

A variety of prestigious naming opportunities and giving options are available as part of this mission-critical campaign.

"I hope you will join us in furthering the legacy of my father, Dr. Howard House, by participating in our efforts to build a sound future for millions of people with hearing loss," said John House, M.D., chair, HEI's Campaign for Building a Sound Future. "Your contribution will make a difference.