Submitted by Shlomo Silman, PhD; Michele B. Emmer, PhD, Aug 31, 2007 10:51

We are very happy to note the possible merger between NYU and Brooklyn Tech University to foster technological innovation that leads to local business development. We agree with the statement that "Traditionally, universities in major cities spend federal funding on science research which does not lend itself to local business develpment..."

Here at The Brooklyn College Center for Auditory Research we began such an inniative in 2001. This represented a partnership between Shlomo Silman, PhD (Hearing Scientist) and Daniel S. Arick, MD (otolaryngologist). We invented a non-sugical device to be used at home by a parent or guardian for the elimination of fluid and associated hearing loss in the ears of children. This device is used in lieu of surgical intervention. Surgical costs are approximately 5 billion dollars per year. With the help of NIH funding for feasibility and a clinical trial (over 1 million dollars) on children between the ages of 4-11 we were able to successfully eliminate fluid and associated hearing loss in 76% of the experimental ears. This number is in contrast to 24% of control ears that recovered spontaneously. Subsequently, the device was leased to Micromedics, Inc., a well-known bio-medical company in Minnesota (www.earpopper.com) and was highlighted by numerous TV stations and newspapers. Use of the EarPopper is currently limited to children between the ages of 4-11 years who are able to cooperate with the parent. The inventors were awarded the prestigious National Tibbetts Award, presented in Washington D.C. in September, 2006. The Tibbetts is sponsored by NIH, NASA, Dep't of Defense, NSF, among others.

We (Dr. Silman and Dr. Emmer) of Brooklyn College (Department of Speech Communication, Arts and Sciences, were just awarded a patent for a device to be used for infants 6 months to 2 years for the treatment of fluid and associated hearing loss. At present, we are in the process of recruiting appropriate Universities and Centers for multiple-site research for feasibility and clinical trials.

As an alumnus of NYU, Dr. Silman applauds the idea of the merger between NYU and Poly Tech Univ. Mr. Eric F. Riley of NYU recently visited our Center and expressed his desire to describe our work to NYU.

Thank you very much,

Shlomo Silman, PhD & Michele B. Emmer, PhD

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