We support leading-edge studies of hearing loss and its clinical management. Using cornerstone funding from this foundation, researchers have developed international reputations in their field with findings in noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, auditory processing disorders and understanding hearing loss and its management in Māori and Pacific Island communities.

Can we treat tinnitus by combining stimulation of head and neck nerves with sound?

Chronic tinnitus, a phantom sound, is a debilitating condition and produces many detrimental effects on the quality of life. However, treatment options are very limited and not effective. This research will test a stimulation protocol for tinnitus by pairing sound with electrical stimulation of the somatosensory system, in an animal model of tinnitus.  The results will significantly improve our current understanding of tinnitus and may lead to the development of effective therapies for tinnitus.