Using research to understand and treat hearing and balance disorders
Hearing is an essential part of the human experience, making it easier to communicate, socialize, work and be alerted to danger. Hearing loss is one of the major health concerns in the United States, affecting almost 50 million people.
Like hearing loss, balance (vestibular) disorders can greatly impair one's quality of life, causing dizziness, imbalance, visual disturbances and more. Approximately 35% of adults aged 40 years or older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.
The Kresge Hearing Research Institute consists of a diverse and dedicated group of scientists and physicians working on basic and clinical aspects of hearing and balance disorders, in health and disease.