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Your Hearing Health

Hyperacusis Research Study

3/3/2019

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Originally Published at SW Florida Health and Wellness Magazine
​

Hyperacusis, or noise intolerance, is a condition in which patients have a reduced tolerance and increased sensitivity to everyday sounds in the normal environment. People who suffer from Hyperacusis describe their lives as living in a world where the volume seems to be turned up too high.
​
In 2010, Dr. Herbert Silverstein, of the Silverstein Institute in Sarasota, Florida, encountered a patient with hyperacusis after a head injury. He performed a minimally invasive round and oval window reinforcement surgical procedure, which greatly reduced the patient’s sound sensitivity. A few years later, when another patient complained of noise intolerance, Dr. Silverstein tried the same procedure to see if it would help. When it did, he knew this treatment option needed further study to determine the efficacy in a larger population.
Since the fall of 2014, Dr. Silverstein and his team have been conducting a research study for the minimally invasive round and oval window reinforcement surgical treatment of severe Hyperacusis. The preliminary results have been very positive. Dr. Silverstein’s procedure continues to improve during the study. Results have been very good with most patients. Initially there was a 55% noted improvement; however, today with increased tissue, 85% noted improvement.  People, when treated with this minimally-invasive surgery are back to normal activities and they find, with reduced noise trauma, are not as anxious or sensitive to the sounds around them.
“It is very gratifying to help patients with hyperacusis using this procedure, which dampens the sound waves to improve the patient’s tolerance for noise,” Dr. Herbert Silverstein has stated.
Three clinical papers about hyperacusis have now been published in prominent medical journals and Dr. Silverstein has spoken nationally regarding the results.
Herbert Silverstein, MD, FACS
President and Founder of the Silverstein Institute and the Ear Research Foundation, has consistently been recognized (since 1979) as one the “Best Physicians in the USA.” He has been a leader in Otology/Neurotology (science of the ear and skullbase) for more than 40 years, developing surgical and diagnostic procedures, inventing instruments (such as the facial nerve monitor/stimulator), teaching medical students, residents and fellows, and helping people improve their quality of life. Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Silverstein received his BS degree from Dickinson College (cum laude), and both MS (in physiology) and MD degrees from Temple University Medical School. He completed residency in otolaryngology at Harvard Mass Eye & Ear infirmary in 1966. Before coming to Sarasota in 1973, he served on the teaching staff of Harvard University Medical School, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, as director of the Walker Biochemistry Research Laboratory, and as associate professor and director of the Otological Research Laboratory at University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He was elected to Who’ Who in America in 2019.


Testimonials:

This Hyperacusis Surgery Has Made My Life
Pleasant Again

Thank you for performing my ear surgery to help my hyperacusis. This operation has made my life pleasant again. I am able to enjoy our Worship music at my church again and am able to be around crowds who are talking loudly without holding my ears and wincing.
All of the noises that used to make me get very agitated: microwave alarm, putting ice cubes in glasses, chimes, bells, kids crying, are very tolerable to me now. Thank you again for performing the operation that has become my solution to my hyperacusis problem.
– Rebecca Liskey

Hyperacusis Patient That is Happy With Her Results

Today is a month since packing from hyperacusis surgery was removed. I’m delighted with the results! Your work is a miracle for me! And, my phonophobia is melting away, too. With deep respect and appreciation – Suzan

Your Hyperacusis Surgery Changed My life For the Better

The results are amazing/ The surgery was a huge success and I can’t even begin to explain haw it’s changed my life far the better!
​
I might have last a little hearing, or the noises seemed “dumbed down” or “slightly muted” but it’s worth the trade off Hi pitched sounds, sharp noises, loud place don’t really bother me anymore. After I leave a loud bar or restaurant, my ear feels slightly “numb” or “plugged”, but it is a huge improvement from what I had to deal with before.

I haven’t worn my ear plugs since the surgery in laud places and it feels great/ Last night I sat front raw and about 15 feet from a speaker of a quartet playing violins that were plugged in and it was comfortable sitting there and I have very little discomfort today, which would have never been the case before my surgery.

Please tell Dr. Silverstein and his staff the he literally gave me my social life back and has changed my life in ways I can’t begin to describe!
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In 1979, the Ear Research Foundation was established in Sarasota, Florida by President and Founder, Dr. Herbert Silverstein.

The Foundation was created out of his desire to continue research and development, and to contribute to medical education in a private setting in the field of Otolaryngology.

​Through its mission of research, education and community care, the Ear Research Foundation has helped thousands of individuals with hearing loss and balance disorders.
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His latest CD and the fifteenth entry into his  remarkable discography  is titled Looking Back, Play It  Again… The CD has reached an impressive number 5 on the Roots Jazz Album Charts this June 2020. ​

Read Raul da Gama's Review on his album!


Visit Dr. Silverstein's ​Music Website ​to listen to his tunes

For 40 years, Dr. Herbert Silverstein has been composing Jazz albums to help inspire support for the Ear Research Foundation.  

​Dr. Silverstein records and plays his music for all to enjoy and to help build awareness about the importance of healthy hearing.  His generous support has allowed the Ear Research Foundation to directly provide care to over 30,000 individuals.  More await help- your contribution allows the Foundation to provide care for the underserved community.
 
We hope that you consider a monthly donation to support our efforts to make healthy hearing accessible for children, adults, and seniors within our community. Give the gift of hearing here.


​Copyright © 2020   Ear Research Foundation, Inc.   All rights reserved.
 
1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239    (941) 556-4219    info@earrf.org
  • HOME
    • History
    • Board of Directors and Staff
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Donate
    • Hearing Champions Coalition
    • Volunteer
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Research
    • Education
    • Community Care
    • Events & Seminars >
      • Special Events >
        • Hear & Now 2020
        • Dr. Idol: Battle of the Bands, III
      • Lunch & Learns
      • OUT AND ABOUT
      • Live Jazz
      • Photo Gallery >
        • Dr. Idol: Battle of the Bands, III
        • 2019 Conferences & Fellows' Gatherings
        • Hear & Now 40th Anniversary Celebration 2019
        • Member Portals >
          • Board Member Portal
          • Fellows Portal >
            • Fellows Page
  • LEARN MORE
    • All About Your Ears
    • Blog
    • News
    • Resources COVID-19
  • CONTACT US