Intraoperative Fluorescence
Intraoperative fluorescence has been studied in various surgical fields to gain a better view of important structures, such as blood vessels and tumors. The House Institute Foundation’s research team used an injectable compound to enhance the identification of the tumor-nerve interface in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) surgery. This technique uses light in near-infrared…
The Origins of the Cochlear Implant
One of the House Institute’s greatest research accomplishments was the development of the first cochlear implant for clinical trial by William House, MD, DDS, and Engineer Jack Urban. This is William House’s story. Electrical stimulation of the ear dates back to the early 1800s when Physicist Alesandro Volta inserted an electrode in his ear and…
Benefits of Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness
Losing hearing in one ear can be more debilitating than many people imagine. Single-sided deafness can significantly reduce sound localization, creating confusion as to where a sound is coming from. People with single-sided deafness also have greater difficulty understanding speech, especially when someone speaks on their deaf side. Many people with single-sided deafness also experience…
Dr. Noonan in Nicaragua
Twenty years ago, a former House Fellow, Dr. James Saunders, established a nonprofit organization with the aim of improving otologic care in Nicaragua. Their mission was to develop a sustainable framework that would provide the necessary infrastructure to improve hearing-health on a national level. I had the opportunity to participate in this undertaking with the…
Managing Stress to Improve Tinnitus
One major trigger for tinnitus is stress. At this time during a global pandemic and major civil unrest, stress levels are at an all-time high for many people across the nation. In addition, it is all too easy to become caught in a stress-tinnitus loop, where stress causes tinnitus, tinnitus causes further stress, and so…
Are You Ruining Your Hearing?
Hearing loss has a number of causes, including aging and exposure to loud noises. While there may be nothing you can do to prevent the march of time, a few causes are preventable. Below are three surprising causes of hearing loss. Blood Conditions High blood pressure, high cholesterol and even diabetes can affect the cells…
Playing Sports with Hearing Loss
Being a successful athlete requires you to be in tune with your senses. For those with hearing loss, all that’s needed is a little extra planning to keep up with the competition. Follow the tips below to learn more about playing sports with hearing loss. Successful Athletes with Hearing Loss One of the earliest deaf…
What Is Noise Pollution?
While most other forms of pollution are visible (think LA smog), noise pollution is invisible. However, that doesn’t make it any less harmful. Hearing loss is a very real consequence of not protecting yourself from noise pollution, but there are other negative effects of noise pollution as well. Below is an overview of what constitutes…
Hearing Aids Myths
Of the 48 million Americans with hearing loss, only one in five actually seeks treatment. This is likely in part due to the many misconceptions that exist about hearing aids. The hearing aids of today are vastly different from the clunky devices of times past. Below are several myths about hearing loss and the truth…
Benefits of Invisible Hearing Aids
Invisible hearing aids are a new option for certain individuals with hearing loss who don’t want to wear obvious hearing aids or deal with maintenance and battery changes. The Phonak Lyric is an invisible device that is worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week for up to four months at a time. It’s…
