MEET THE RESEARCHERS 1st year Emerging Research grantee, Lina Reiss Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).  The goal of her current study is to understand mechanisms of hearing loss with "hybrid" or "electro-acoustic" cochlear implants (CIs), a new type of CI designed to preserve low-frequency hearing and allow combined acoustic-electric stimulation in the same ear.  Read more about her research and meet the other 2012 grant recipients.

EMERGING RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM Funding Where It Helps the Most 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 nearly $30 million to hearing and balance research.   Our funded researchers have become the leaders in hearing research, many securing federal funding after their initial grants from us and going on to illustrious careers. 20 percent of recipients of the prestigious Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) Award of Merit are former grantees. These grants have led to many of today's standard treatments, such as cochlear implants, treatments for otitis media (ear infections), and surgical therapy for otosclerosis.   In 2012, Hearing Health Foundation identified four Under-Researched Areas of Focus that have traditionally been under-represented and under-funded. We encourage researchers to apply for funding for projects in these areas to continue moving the field hearing and balance science forward.