Healthy heAring for Healthy Ageing (HAHA)
FUNDED BY RESEARCH COUNCIL OF FINLAND
Age-related hearing loss is a global health problem and is associated with an increased risk of memory disorders. Yet, there is no high-quality research data on the benefits of early hearing rehabilitation in preventing the development of memory problems.
The Otolaryngology Clinic of Kuopio University Hospital and the Brain Research Unit of the University of Eastern Finland have formed a consortium group under the name of "Healthy heAring for Healthy Aging (HAHA)". This group's goal is to investigate hearing loss in a multidisciplinary way.
Hearing loss is not only a problem limited to the inner ear, but a wider neurodegenerative entity. Our goal is to develop new operating models for the rehabilitation of hearing loss and the prevention of memory loss.
Well-rehabilitated hearing promotes brain health and is essential for successful aging.
Principal Researcher:
Aarno Dietz, Dr. Med, professor
Biomolecular treatments and gene therapy of the inner ear
This project investigates inner ear gene therapy and biomolecular treatments in cooperation with the A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences of the University of Eastern Finland.
Principal Researcher:
Matti Iso-Mustajärvi, MD, Adj. Professor