Kresge Hearing Research Institute

Using research to understand and treat hearing and balance disorders
Female researcher works with a petri dish sample at the bench

Hearing is an essential part of the human experience, making it easier to communicate, socialize, work and be alerted to danger. Hearing loss is one of the major health concerns in the United States, affecting almost 50 million people.

Like hearing loss, balance (vestibular) disorders can greatly impair one's quality of life, causing dizziness, imbalance, visual disturbances and more. Approximately 35% of adults aged 40 years or older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.

The Kresge Hearing Research Institute consists of a diverse and dedicated group of scientists and physicians working on basic and clinical aspects of hearing and balance disorders, in health and disease.

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Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-936-8051.
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Internal Team Resources

Documents and resources for KHRI team members.

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A scientist in a white lab coat and blue gloves looks through a microscope in a laboratory. A clear plastic sample container is placed on the microscope stage, and the scene is illuminated with blue lighting. The researcher wears an ID badge and appears focused on the analysis.

Hearing, Balance and Chemical Senses Seminar Series

Every week, the Kresge Hearing Research Institute hosts a guest speaker, who presents as a part of the KHRI Hearing, Balance and Chemical Senses Seminar Series.

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Upcoming Events

2026 Charles J. Krause Lectureship
The Charles J. Krause MD Lectureship aims to further the understanding of research advances in otolaryngology in both basic science and clinical applications.

News
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Department News

Welcome Shannon Fayson, MD

Get to know more about our newest faculty member Shannon Fayson, MD.
 Audiologist putting headphones on a patient
Department News

Communication Sciences and Disorders Program Expands Partnership with Wayne State University

A new collaboration was recently announced between the Communication Science and Disorders programs at the University of Michigan (U-M) and Wayne State University (WSU) to train the next generation of audiologists and speech-language pathologist.
 drawing of inside ear canal
Health Lab

Human ability to focus on specific sounds not found to originate in auditory nerve, brainstem

Michigan Medicine research illuminates the mechanisms through which humans can pick out and focus on single sounds in noisy environments.