Bloom Temporal Bone Laboratory
The hearing and balance organs of the body are located in the inner ear. This tissue is relatively inaccessible and a biopsy would result in irreparable damage to this organ and dysfunction. Therefore, insight into the pathologic and molecular basis of ear disease can be obtained only through the postmortem study of temporal bones where the inner ear is located.
The Temporal Bone Laboratory at the University of Chicago was founded in 1928 by Dr. John R. Lindsay. During the past 40 years, it has been directed by Dr. Raul Hinojosa. It contains one of the largest collections of human temporal bones in the world. These tissue samples have been archived and extensively studied using light microscopy. Many important discoveries made from the investigation of this historic collection have improved our understanding of ear diseases. These findings have contributed to the development of new medical and surgical treatment strategies and resulted in improved patient care. The diseases studied include birth defects, cancer, infection, trauma, balance disorders and hearing loss.
Recently, the lab has initiated projects utilizing contemporary molecular techniques to study the archival temporal bone collection and the etiology of presbycusis, age-related loss of hearing that occurs gradually in most individuals as they grow older and afflicts 40 percent of individuals in the population over 65 years of age. Scientific evidence suggests that genetic mutations in the cellular energy producing apparatus accumulate throughout life and are a major factor in the development of this common malady. Again, the lab has generated and published important information which we hope can be used to develop an effective approach to the prevention and treatment of presbycusis.
A parallel project was initiated in the laboratory 40 years ago to study portions of the brain involved in hearing. The planning and execution of this long term effort has required vision and determination. Fortunately, this mature study is now reaching fruition and we expect to gain needed information regarding the role of the brain in the acquisition of age-related hearing loss.
The Lab is funded through the Bloom Endowment. This generous donation was made by Margaret A. Bloom whose family members were treated for deafness at the University of Chicago. We are continuing to develop additional support for the ongoing projects in our lab.
The Temporal Bone Laboratory at the University of Chicago was founded in 1928 by Dr. John R. Lindsay. During the past 40 years, it has been directed by Dr. Raul Hinojosa. It contains one of the largest collections of human temporal bones in the world. These tissue samples have been archived and extensively studied using light microscopy. Many important discoveries made from the investigation of this historic collection have improved our understanding of ear diseases. These findings have contributed to the development of new medical and surgical treatment strategies and resulted in improved patient care. The diseases studied include birth defects, cancer, infection, trauma, balance disorders and hearing loss.
Recently, the lab has initiated projects utilizing contemporary molecular techniques to study the archival temporal bone collection and the etiology of presbycusis, age-related loss of hearing that occurs gradually in most individuals as they grow older and afflicts 40 percent of individuals in the population over 65 years of age. Scientific evidence suggests that genetic mutations in the cellular energy producing apparatus accumulate throughout life and are a major factor in the development of this common malady. Again, the lab has generated and published important information which we hope can be used to develop an effective approach to the prevention and treatment of presbycusis.
A parallel project was initiated in the laboratory 40 years ago to study portions of the brain involved in hearing. The planning and execution of this long term effort has required vision and determination. Fortunately, this mature study is now reaching fruition and we expect to gain needed information regarding the role of the brain in the acquisition of age-related hearing loss.
The Lab is funded through the Bloom Endowment. This generous donation was made by Margaret A. Bloom whose family members were treated for deafness at the University of Chicago. We are continuing to develop additional support for the ongoing projects in our lab.
