CHI Founders

Simon C. Parisier, MD founded The Children’s Hearing Institute with his wife Elaine. He is Professor of Otolaryngology at New York Medical College. He is a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center where he became Clinical Professor and Chief of Otology-Neurotology. While Chairman of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Manhattan Eye Ear Throat Hospital, Dr. Parisier spearheaded an innovative Conjoint Ear, Nose and Throat Residency Training Program sponsoring residents at four New York medical centers. This program was cited by U.S. News &World Report as one of the top 20 in the country.

Dr. Parisier ranks among the pioneers in the development of cochlear implants and related operative techniques that effectively restore hearing to infants, children and adults afflicted with profound neuro-sensory deafness. He is also a leader in the field of chronic middle ear infections and ear diseases. His research on the cellular biology of cholesteatoma has led to a clearer understanding of this destructive benign cyst that can destroy healthy inner ear bones as it grows. Author of more than 120 publications and a member of numerous professional societies, Dr. Parisier has been recognized by the American Academy of Otolaryngology (Award of Merit) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (Distinguished Service Award). He is consistently cited in New York Magazine’s annual Best Doctors issue, where he has been called a “Hearing Hero.”

Elaine S. Parisier formerly taught high school English at Rosemary Hall in Greenwich, Connecticut. In 1983 she co-founded CHI with her husband Simon and served as the Institute’s first Executive Director. She continues to inspire CHI with her enthusiasm and vision. “Our goal in 1983 was to establish an institute to support the clinical investigation of the cochlear implant as safe and efficacious in restoring hearing to profoundly deaf children. It is so gratifying to realize we were on the frontlines of the cochlear revolution that has dramatically changed so many lives. Our mission remains relevant, however, as hearing loss is America’s leading birth defect and awareness of cochlear implants is relatively low among those who need to know.”