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Read Ruby's Story


The BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) has single-handedly changed my life for the absolute better. I found out I was deaf in my left ear in 2004, and at that time there wasn't much anyone could do about it. Then a few years later, my parents and I went to House Ear Institute and found out about the BAHA.
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Financial Information

Temporal Bone Pledge Program


scientistTo facilitate research of ear problems, the first pledge program was established at the House Research Institute in 1957. The bones and hearing nerves donated to our bank are fully documented and are studied in laboratories by scientists who analyze and compare their findings with the medical records and symptoms observed during the patient's lifetime. The Institute now has one of the largest documented collections of temporal bones in existence. It is used daily in research by staff, doctors and scientists throughout the world.

Click a panel below to learn more about the Temporal Bone Program
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Program Purpose
The study of temporal bones is necessary to determine causes of hearing loss and balance disorders and how these afflictions can be treated more effectively and ultimately, prevented. While donating your temporal bones to the Temporal Bone Pledge Program doesn't directly help you, it will help those in generations to come, so that they can overcome many of the problems you have had to face.
Where are my Temporal Bones?
ear anatomy
Facts for the Prospective Donor
There is no disfigurement when the temporal bones are removed. The outer ears remain undisturbed. Processing the bone takes several months. Scientists then examine the ear structures under a powerful microscope to determine the cause of hearing problems as well as the result of any medical or surgical treatments the patient may have received for their condition.
Methods of Pledging
You may pledge your ear bones and hearing nerves by signing Institute documents prepared for this purpose and made available at the House Clinic, or by writing to the House Research Institute. These documents are signed by you (the person making the pledge) and by your next of kin. All costs of obtaining the temporal bones are paid by the House Research Institute.

Click to Download the Temporal Bone Legal Documents
Contact Information
In you are intrested in more information or would like to arrange your donation, please contact:
Temporal Bone Donor Program
2100 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 483-4431 (after hours)
(213) 353-7098 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
sbernal@houseresearch.org
Arrangements after your loved one has passed
If your loved one has passed it will be necessary to contact the House Research Institute (formerly the House Ear Institute) immediately.

Please call (213) 353-7098 (Monday - Friday) or (800) 388-8612 (after hours). Please let the operator know that you are calling regarding a Temporal Bone Pledge. She will instruct or forward you to the Histopathology Department.

If you are calling after hours, please dial (213) 484-4431 Press option 2 and ask for the "doctor on call" regarding your Temporal Bone Pledge.

The House Research Institute and the doctors of the House Clinic earnestly request that you give careful consideration to this worthwhile research project and pledge your ear bones. By doing this you can contribute to research that will be of tremendous benefit to those who follow.