Physicians from around the world travel to the IHF teaching laboratories in Minneapolis to study and do research under the direction of Dr. Michael Paparella. At the teaching lab, electrophysiology and molecular biology help to illuminate surgical anatomy and clinical pathophysiology of the ear. The IHF lab contains one of the world's largest collections of temporal bone, which aids in the research of ear disease and hearing related problems.
Dr. Paparella, a world-renowned expert in otolaryngology and chairman of the otopathology lab at the University of Minnesota, founded IHF in 1984 to support hearing-related service, education, and research. Headquartered in Minneapolis, IHF is an affiliate of the Minnesota Medical Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is one of four foundations recognized by the University of Minnesota. MMF raises millions of dollars annually in support of the University of Minnesota Medical School, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, and related units in the University's Academic Health Center.
IHF is dedicated to learning more about hearing problems, about cures, and to educate doctors around the world. IHF has sponsored teams of doctors that have traveled to Senegal, Peru, Brazil, Chile and Cuba. These teams have volunteered their time and services doing operations, treating patients in clinics, and teaching local doctors about modern day treatments for ear disease. In each of these trips IHF has donated much needed medical supplies. IHF also helped to create a Deaf School in Chile.
IHF through its research, education and service is continuing to open new worlds for the hearing impaired.
IHF exists solely through public contributions and we encourage you to share in the honor and privilege of donating to IHF so that we may continue to help others around the world.