1901 FLOYD ST, SARASOTA, FL 34239 | www.EarRF.org | (941) 365-0367

EAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER VOLUME 01 JANUARY 2019

What inspired you to start the Ear Research Foundation?I have been involved in research all my life; through college and medical school and at Harvard and University of Penn. It was my desire to continue research in a private practice, where there would be less bureaucracy as experienced at the medical schools.

What is your proudest accomplishment?My proudest accomplishment has been helping patients resume a normal life after a minor procedure I developed to reduce noise intolerance in patients with severe hyperacusis. My second proudest accomplishment was developing a simple easy to use facial nerve monitor which helps protect the facial nerve during ear surgery. The facial nerve controls the movement of half the face. Injury to the facial nerve will cause a facial paralysis. My third proudest accomplishment was developing the vestibular neurectomy to relieve vertigo attacks of Meniere’s disease and preserve the hearing. My fourth was developing the MicroWick which allows patients to apply medications to treat inner ear disease such as sudden hearing loss and vertigo.

What are your favorite success stories?There are many, but today my favorite is helping patients, who suffer from an extreme sound sensitivity called hyperacusis, resume normal lives after a minor surgical procedure that I developed. Once they undergo this minimally invasive surgery with reinforcement of the round and oval windows,

the results are immediately life-changing for 75 to 85% of the patients. Ending sometimes years, if not decades, of trauma and isolation caused by the heighted volume of every day sounds. It is phenomenal to see people smiling, freed, and able to enjoy active, normal lives, once again.

Who was your greatest influence?There were two in my life: My father, who was a neurologist; and Dr. Harold Schuknecht, a world-famous histopathologist, great teacher, surgeon, and mentor for me when a resident of his at Harvard’s Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary.

You are uniquely identified as a skilled physician, surgeon, and musician. What draws you to intertwine music into your practice?I was raised around music and studied classical piano until I was 14-years old. I always loved Jazz but was not allowed to learn it. I began playing again at age 48, studying jazz from many professional musicians and still studying with Jazz musicians. The technical aspects of jazz piano and surgery are similar. Both require manual

Q&A WITH EAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOUNDER DR. HERBERT SILVERSTEIN

Continued on page 3

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CELEBRATION

EAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND RESEARCH COORDINATOR

MELISSA LANE has been named Executive Director for the Ear Research Foundation. Melissa’s non-profit career spans over 20 years advocating for community awareness, charitable support, and operational growth for

organizations such as Sarasota Opera, Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, and the Child Protection Center.

“We are pleased to have Melissa’s experience and knowledge to help oversee the current operations and long-term vision of the Foundation,” says Dr. Herbert Silverstein, founder of the Silverstein Institute and the Ear Research Foundation. “The Board of Directors and I look forward to her applying her talents to increase support for the advancement of ear, hearing, and balance research; the Help Us Hear hearing aid assistance program; hearing screenings free to children in pre-K; and the Foundation’s Fellowship program - a one-year Otology-Neurotology clinical program providing hands-on experience in surgery and patient care.”

“I personally connected with the Ear Research Foundation’s work and purpose,” says Melissa. “I

benefited from a grade school hearing screening when I was 7-years old. My hearing was improved through a simple procedure that surely changed the course of my life. It brings me joy to help lead an organization that positively impacts the lives of so many children, adults, and seniors discovering and navigating their way through hearing loss and balance issues.”

DISHANK PATEL recently joined the Ear Research Foundation as Research Coordinator working in cooperation with the Silverstein Institute. Dishank was with Hill Top Research, Inc. in St. Petersburg for the last three years. He will

help coordinate studies relating to innovations concerning ear diseases, hearing loss, balance disorders, as well as sinus and throat diseases.

Dishank holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Biotechnology from M.B. Patel Science College and A.N. Patel P.G. Institute in Anand, Gujarat, India, respectfully. He currently resides in Clearwater, Florida with his family.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE BOB TUFTS!Dr. Herb Silverstein, President; Geoff Frazier, Chairman of the Board; the other Board Members; and the staff of the Ear Research Foundation wish to express their gratitude to Bob Tufts for his 11 years of dedicated service and guidance on the Board of Directors.

Bob wished to share a little of his story…

“I came to Silverstein Institute in 2007 for treatment of vertigo and chronic ear infections. Both Dr. Herb Silverstein and Dr. Jack Wazen treated me. I also saw Dr. Laura Wazen for balance issues related to my vertigo. I had just retired and Dr. Silverstein asked me to join the Ear Research Foundation Board.

After 11 years I felt it was time to move on and let others come in with fresh thinking. I have done this

with a number of other Board positions in Sarasota.

I will continue to be a donor and attend Ear Research Foundation activities. I haven't had a vertigo attack since 2011. And my ear infections dramatically reduced by the care I received at Silverstein Institute. So I am very thankful for the great care I received as a patient.”

As a Board member I got to see the real value of the Research done by the Ear Research Foundation. Along with the free care and education the Foundation provides to the community. The Ear Research Foundation has been a cornerstone of the giving medical community of Sarasota. I know the Foundation will continue to do great things. My best and a big Thanks to all the great people who donate so much time and effort to The Ear Research Foundation.”

Thank YOU, Bob!

dexterity and ability to improvise with patience. Both take lots of training and practice. I enjoy making people hear better so they can hear songs that l composed. I have recorded 14 CDs and I give CDs to patients who wish to hear my music. If they wish, they can give a donation to the Ear Research Foundation. I also give my CDs to physicians, friends and colleagues. Many of whom give donations. What would you like to see as part of the Ear Research Foundation’s future?I would like to see Ear Research Foundation remain on the forefront of research and development. Increasing people’s quality of life by inventing better ways to improve hearing and cure vertigo and balance disorders. Continue

training young doctors in our Fellowship program. Continue educating the public of latest and new ways of treatment. Provide community care to those in need. I hope the Ear Research Foundation remains active long after I am gone.

Q&A WITH DR. HERBERT SILVERSTEIN Continued from page 1

The Ear Research Foundation is turning 40! It is a significant milestone, that few foundations accomplish, and this makes us very proud. Our 40th anniversary is a celebration of the Ear Research Foundation’s legacy, its long journey, who we are today and our exciting future ahead. The last year has been a time of great progress and planning for the Ear Research Foundation.

The Ear Research Foundation continues to evolve as a community leader in finding better treatments for hearing loss and balance problems, educating physicians and the public, andproviding Community Care for those in need. The future of our growth is extremely positive as we look to continue to deliver value to those in need.

Reflecting over our journey so far, we would like to acknowledge and express thanks to our many valued supporters for their trust, care and continued commitment to us. The holidays are my favorite time of year as we all take time to give more to others and reflect on everything for which we are thankful. For each of you supporters of the Ear Research Foundation, I am extremely grateful.

I look forward to working with you in the year ahead. Happy 40th year, Ear Research Foundation! And here’s to another 40 years! May they be as exciting and rewarding as the first.

MESSAGE FROM GEOFF FRAZIER, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

EVENT CORNER...SAVE THESE DATES!

For reservations, sponsorship opportunities, or to volunteer, contact Melissa at (941) 365-0367.

1901 FLOYD ST, SARASOTA, FL 34239 | www.EarRF.org | (941) 365-0367

BATTLEOF THE BANDS

The OriginalLISTEN, DANCE,

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE

PHYSICIANS’ BAND

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2019, 7-11 PM

WHITE BUFFALO SALOON 5377 MCINTOSH RD,

SARASOTA

$50 PER PERSON

YOU’RE INVITED!EAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S

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CELEBRATION

Hear and Now

BE WINED, DINED, & INSPIRED

WEDNESDAYMARCH 20, 2019

6 TO 9 PM

MICHAEL’S ON EAST

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

A NIGHT TO REMINISCE AND ENVISION

LUNCH & LEARN 12 TO 1 PM WITH LUNCH PROVIDED

Volunteer Hearing Screening Team: Members to help with hearing screenings on Pre-K students needed. This is a start-up opportunity with openings for team leadership and coordinators.

Special Event Committee Volunteers: Ear Research Foundation’s Hear & Now 40th Anniversary Celebration on March 20, 2019 and Dr. Idol: Battle of the Bands on November 16, 2019. Bring your ideas, talents, and friends to join in the fun!

For more information, contact Melissa at (941) 365-0367 or by email at mlane@EarRF.org.

VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE WORLD GO AROUND!

1901 FLOYD ST, SARASOTA, FL 34239 | www.EarRF.org | (941) 365-0367

MONTH/DAY TOPIC PRESENTERFebruary

21 Hyperacusis Dr. Herb Silverstein25 Hearing Loss Dr. Jack Wazen & Sharon Rende

March7 Dizziness and Treatment Dr. Herb Silverstein

April 11 Hoarseness Dr. JP Gniady

May 6 Hearing and Cognitive

Brain FunctionsDr. Jack Wazen & Sharon Rende

1901 Floyd St., Sarasota, FL 34239

EAR RESEARCH FOUNDATIONStaffMelissa M. LaneExecutive Directormlane@EarRF.org

Dishank PatelResearch Coordinatordpatel@EarRF.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORSOfficersDr. Herbert Silverstein, President/FounderGeoff Frazier, ChairmanDr. Jack Wazen, Vice President, Director of ResearchDr. Seth Rosenberg Vice President, Director of EducationRay Suplee, Treasurer

MembersCharles GithlerEileen HampshireSusan Solomon RobbinsTy Wilkinson

CONTACT US

(941) 365-0367

www.EarRF.org

The Ear Research Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 registered with the state of Florida. A copy of the official registration (CH1004) and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state or at www.800Helpfla.Com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

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