Hong-Bo Zhao

Professor Hong-Bo Zhao is a distinguished faculty member at Yale School of Medicine, where he has been publishing extensively on the intricate mechanisms of deafness and the auditory implications of Alzheimer's disease. With a specialization in Otolaryngology, his research is at the forefront of understanding how noise impacts cochlear synaptopathy and the broader auditory system. Professor Zhao's work is particularly focused on the development of innovative gene therapies aimed at addressing deafness caused by Cx26 mutations. His pioneering efforts in this area are paving the way for new treatments that could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals affected by genetic forms of hearing loss. Additionally, he is dedicated to formulating effective post-noise treatments to mitigate the damage caused by excessive sound exposure. In his quest to bridge the gap between auditory health and neurodegenerative diseases, Professor Zhao is also exploring the potential of early hearing biomarkers as a tool for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. His research not only seeks to unravel the functional and pathological changes associated with Alzheimer's but also aims to establish a link between auditory health and cognitive decline. Through his extensive research and numerous publications, Professor Zhao continues to contribute valuable insights into the fields of audiology and neurology. His work is instrumental in advancing our understanding of how auditory dysfunctions can serve as early indicators of broader neurological conditions, ultimately guiding the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.