Our Team Behind the Scenes: Donna Gelnett
By Erin O’Donnell, Associate Director of Education and Global Hearing Health What does it take to run a successful hearing aids dispensary? Or several? The House Institute’s Hearing Aid Center Director, Donna Gelnett, uniquely combines her business acumen with her background as a trained audiologist and researcher. The result is an adept leader who balances…
Our Team Behind the Scenes: Nina Ball, AuD
By Erin O’Donnell, Associate Director of Education and Global Hearing Health In anticipation of Tinnitus Awareness Week, I sat down with House Institute audiologist Nina Ball. Over a lively Zoom interview, we discussed how her passion for hearing health first began, observations she has made within her field, and her experience helping patients with tinnitus….
Hazel’s Story
Our Director of Development, Audrey Salzburg, sat down with 89-year-old grateful patient Hazel McNutt to discuss her relationship to the House Institute Foundation for our “Share Your Story” program. “Dr. Luxford Saved My Life.” These were the words I heard from Hazel McNutt, the first patient I had the honor of speaking with when I…
Our Team Behind the Scenes: Shanel Hill
Tell us about what you do and how long you have worked at the House Institute Foundation. I am a Clinical Research Coordinator. I am responsible for all research activities from the start, including writing the study protocol, facilitating its submission to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other regulatory paperwork to ensure everyone follows…
8 Family Friendly Games for All Hearing Abilities
Stay interactive with family and friends this holiday season by playing games that are accessible to all. Whether it is an old favorite or new to you, here are some suggestions to get creative and add a hint of adventure and friendly competition at home. Charades – This classic party game requires you to mime the word you…
Our Current Research Efforts
• Improving the accuracy of acoustic tumor tissue dissection and the preservation of essential structures • Increasing sound perception for cochlear implant users • Assessing symptoms of neurofibromatosis type 2, including quality of life and hand function • Genetic and molecular analysis of neurofibromatosis type 2 tumors • Improving medical management of patients with vestibular…
The Little Things — Darlene’s 50-Year Journey with Hearing Loss
By Javia Headley, Marketing Communications Manager When Darlene Fragale first started losing her hearing in the 1960s, there were not many options for otosclerosis patients like her to regain their sense of sound. Otosclerosis occurs when a middle ear bone grows abnormally, disrupting the path sound would travel. Darlene was in her thirties when she…
The House Clinical Fellowship: Now
By Helena Wichova, MD Reflecting on my first four months as a House clinical fellow, I realize what a transformative time it has been. I still vividly remember the call I received from Dr. Slattery last October inviting me to join the program for a 2-year fellowship. My career as a neurotologist was only beginning….
The House Clinical Fellowship: Then
By Dr. William M. Luxford, MD 2021 will mark my 40th year as an associate of the House Ear Clinic. My interest in problems with hearing began years before my House fellowship. My mother became severely hearing impaired in the first few years after her birth in 1922. The cause of her impairment was never…
Global Health — Raise the Audibility!
By Erin O’Donnell, Associate Director of Education and Global Health Programs Hearing Health Ascends into Global Awareness Shrill sounds blared from the boombox and ricocheted off the polished tile floors. A room of 5-year-old girls stomped their flamenco heels, swung their long skirts and clicked their castanuelas in time to the emotive, Andalusian folk songs….
