Our Objectives

The principal objectives of the Virginia Lions Hearing Foundation are:

• To initiate and support hearing research on deafness and hearing problems in all age groups.

a) Basic Science Research: Ototoxicity (drug damage); Noise Damage; Electrical Stimulation of Auditory Nerves; Regeneration of Hair Cells

b) Clinical Research: Study of temporal bone anatomy and testing of new surgical procedures and/or new implantable devices concerned with ear diseases and hearing disorders.

• To support the Cochlear Implant Program, for the rehabilitation of profound deafness in children and adults.

• To conduct diagnostic clinical examinations, which may result in surgery (eg. cochlear implant) or other rehabilitative procedures (eg. hearing aids) to restore partial or complete hearing to individuals.

• To conduct informational programs to educate the public on hearing disorders and to encourage hearing protection.

• To initiate educational programs for practicing ear surgeons on the latest surgical techniques to better care for the hearing impaired individuals throughout Virginia and beyond.

Our History

In June 1978, the International Association of Lions Clubs introduced a program called "Hearing and Speech Action and Work with the Deaf." In response to this initiative, Lion Kenneth S. Hitch contacted Dr. Robert W. Cantrell, then Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

They desired to explore the formation of an organization dedicated to supported research on deafness. Interested in pursuing this idea, a committee was formed with representatives from each of the six districts in Virginia, along with three medical personnel. A resolution to form the "Lions of Virginia Hearing Foundation & Temporal Bone Bank" resulted from these meetings and it was unanimously approved by the Lions of Virginia.

The Hearing Foundation is currently mostly supported by the Lions Clubs of Virginia. Since this Foundation was formed, the Lions of Virginia have contributed over $1,200,000 to the Foundation in support of their objectives. Donations from the general public or corporations are gratefully accepted. See contact address below for further information.

In August 1989, the words "temporal bone bank" were dropped from the name due to the fact that through research it was discovered that artificial ear bones are better used for transplants than human ear bones due to the risk of transferring diseases. The emphasis had shifted from being a "temporal bone bank" (a facility that houses temporal bones) to more of a "research center", thus the name change.