The University of Washington's Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center brings together an interdisciplinary group of investigators to study hearing, hearing loss, and related communication disorders so that those who would, might hear. The Center is a communication focal point among basic and clinical scientists to facilitate the sharing of ideas and information for the collective advancement of auditory science and patient care.

The Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center is affiliated with the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in the School of Medicine. However, as a multidisciplinary center, it has a strong affiliation with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. In all, 15 University of Washington departments are represented in the Center.

Click here for more information about the center's history and vision.

Schematic drawing of the ear in relation to surrounding structures. The inner ear (in blue) is located deep within the bones of the skull.

Hearing Regeneration Initiative

A Potential Cure for Inner Ear Hearing Loss

The Problem

Hearing loss is the most common human disability: one person in 10 is directly affected, and 40 percent of the population has a hearing-impaired friend or family member.All of these people have experienced first hand the difficulties that occur when people cannot communicate normally. Although hearing aids and cochlear implants have helped many children and adults with hearing disabilities, we believe the potential to cure deafness is at hand and should be pursued. We are committed to assuring that all children have the tools to develop spoken language to communicate and that no person should be deprived of the vital company of friends and family because of hearing loss. More...