As the surgical challenges of middle ear diseases were met, the DRF recognised the need for inner ear research required a greater commitment than could be provided by most practicing surgeons.
As the surgical challenges of middle ear diseases were met, the DRF recognised the need for inner ear research required a greater commitment than could be provided by most practicing surgeons.
In 1976, the DRF advertised for a trainee inner ear researcher and from numerous applicants appointed Mr, now Professor Peter Thorne. Over the years, the Foundation was unfailing in its support of the research department which grew around him.
Many thousands of New Zealanders suffer from tinnitus in a severe or debilitating form. It is a tortuous condition for the afflicted, often indicated by a ringing or humming sounds in the head but sometimes can be described as a throb or a scream.
Many thousands of New Zealanders suffer from tinnitus in a severe or debilitating form. It is a tortuous condition for the afflicted, often indicated by a ringing or humming sounds in the head but sometimes can be described as a throb or a scream.
Having heard from anaesthetists about coincidental and unexpected temporary relief from tinnitus following intravenous injection of lignocaine, in 1976 DRF appointed on a one year contract, anaesthetist Dr Pamela Melding to work in a team to investigate this potential break through. Chronic tinnitus has continued to be the subject of important research sponsored by the DRF over the years.
The research breakthroughs and scientific papers published have led to New Zealand being recognised as a world leader in the management of chronic tinnitus.
In 1973 DRF learned of the innovative longitudinal survey of child development started in Dunedin the year before. DRF immediately recognised the increased benefits of the study if ear and hearing problems were included.
In 1973, DRF learned of the innovative longitudinal survey of child development started in Dunedin the year before. DRF immediately recognised the increased benefits of the study if ear and hearing problems were included. An enthusiastic response from the survey’s founder, Professor Phil Silva, ensured the not only were ear and hearing problems included in the survey, but Professor Silva also added his innovative skills to DRF as a board member.
By following more than 1000 children since their birth in 1972, this long-term study of every aspect of their health and development has provided original data on the progression and effects of otitis media. This study revealed that the early onset of chronic otitis media had serious adverse affects on speech articulation, reading skills, language development and classroom behaviour throughout these children’s school years and beyond.
Within DRF the question was raised whether ear disease and hearing impairment play a role in antisocial behaviour.
Within DRF the question was raised whether ear disease and hearing impairment play a role in antisocial behaviour. In 1980 with support of prison authorities, prison staff and senior prisoners, DRF tested the hearing of 100 European and 100 Māori young male inmates. Evidence of previous ear disease was present in all the Māori prisoners of whom 27% had important hearing loss compared with only 7% of the European prisoners.