Physician Tina Stankovic is an ear, nose, and throat specialist and a lover of music whose seemingly disparate pursuits — medicine and music — have led her to a groundbreaking career in hearing research. She recently worked with music legend Paul Simon during his well-publicized battle with hearing loss and he has become a vocal advocate for hearing research. New understandings and new approaches like regenerative medicine have put the once-impossible dream of hearing restoration within reach, Stankovic tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Tina Stankovic, a professor of otolaryngology and neurosurgery at Stanford University.
(00:03:36) Why Hearing Loss
What inspired Tina’s lifelong journey into hearing science.
(00:04:17) Treating Hearing Loss
Limits of current options and lack of FDA-approved therapies.
(00:05:23) Causes of Hearing Loss
The two main categories of hearing loss: conductive vs. sensorineural.
(00:07:47) Inside the Inner Ear
The complexity of the inner ear, and why diagnosis is so difficult.
(00:09:22) Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
Why ear damage can cause phantom sounds in the brain.
(00:10:28) Emerging Technologies in Hearing Research
New technologies that are evolving treatment approaches.
(00:15:19) Recreating the Ear in the Lab
Challenges the inner ear’s unique composition pose to researchers.
(00:20:02) AI Applications in Hearing Diagnosis
The ways AI is transforming diagnosis and genetic analysis.
(00:21:31) Can Ears Regrow?
Why humans don’t regenerate ear cells—but mice might help.
(00:23:55) Emotional & Social Toll of Hearing Loss
How hearing loss can lead to isolation, stigma, and cognitive decline.
(00:26:06) Born Deaf vs. Later Hearing Loss
Experiential differences between those with early and late hearing loss.
(00:27:52) Paul Simon’s Role and Advocacy
How the artist got involved with Tina’s work and the initiative at Stanford.
(00:29:44) Protecting Your Hearing
Best practices for protecting your hearing.
(00:33:21) Conclusion
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